U.S. sanctions against Russia 2026 stories

Oct 17, 2026

Scott Bessent defends Trump Russia diesel deal, denies sanctions relief

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said President Trump did not provide Russia with sanctions relief after striking a deal allowing Russia to supply diesel to the U.S. and global markets, despite Trump signing a bill imposing sanctions set to take effect soon. The deal has drawn bipartisan criticism and questions about whether it constitutes a gift to Russia.

Oct 17, 20266 sources

Top claims

▪Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on October 18, 2026, that no sanctions were lifted on Russia and that only the diesel embargo was lifted during a 60-day examination period.
▪Representative Michael McCaul and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressed concern that President Donald Trump's diesel agreement would provide financial support to the Kremlin and prolong the war in Ukraine.
▪Five Republican lawmakers, alongside Democratic colleagues, sent a letter copied to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging President Donald Trump to reconsider the Russian diesel deal.

People involved

Scott Bessent Donald Trump

Subtopics

Congress1 Economic Sanctions1 Energy1 Foreign policy & conflicts1 Sanctions relief1 Trump administration1

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