U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has defended President Donald Trump’s decision to lift some sanctions on Russian diesel exports, arguing that the move could ease fuel shortages and encourage Moscow to reduce its war against Ukraine.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Wright said the waiver was a calculated step rather than a sign that Washington was easing pressure on Russia. He argued that the decision could give Russian leaders an economic reason to limit their military operations.
Trump issued an executive order last week waiving newly imposed sanctions, other restrictions and some duties affecting Russia. The move followed a sanctions package that he signed into law in September. The package targeted Russian officials and parts of the country’s economy in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Wright said the latest waiver focused on diesel exports. He claimed that Russia had been unable to export the fuel in recent weeks because its domestic supply was too limited.
“President Trump waived sanctions just on diesel exports, and what’s the one thing Russia has not been able to export over the last month or so? Diesel, because they’re short of diesel,” Wright said.
The energy secretary argued that Russia would need to reduce its conflict with Ukraine or agree to an energy ceasefire to produce enough diesel for additional exports. In his view, the prospect of selling more fuel could create an incentive for Moscow to scale back its war effort.
“This is not going soft on Russia. This is an incentive to end the war,” Wright said.
The administration’s explanation comes as global fuel markets face growing pressure. Diesel and gasoline prices have risen amid disruptions to energy supplies linked to the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Following surprise attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran in February, Iran effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway is a key route for oil and fuel shipments from the Gulf to international markets.
The disruption has raised concerns about the availability of diesel and other fuels. Last week, the International Energy Agency warned that the diesel shortage could extend into 2027, adding to worries among governments and businesses that rely on stable fuel supplies.
Trump has linked the Russian diesel decision to his efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, he said he did not want to take steps that might drive Russia away from negotiations.
“I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table,” Trump wrote.
Earlier in October, Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin under which Russia would supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel fuel for the United States and the global market. The proposed supply deal has become part of the wider debate over how Washington can address fuel shortages while maintaining pressure on Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has questioned the decision to waive sanctions. He said the move “seems wrong” to him, reflecting concern that easing restrictions could benefit Russia while its invasion of Ukraine continues.
The policy has also faced criticism from U.S. lawmakers across party lines. Republican Senator Thom Tillis condemned the waiver and questioned why the administration would set aside sanctions approved by Congress.
“Beyond irresponsible,” Tillis wrote on X. He noted that the Senate had passed the sanctions package by a vote of 86 to 11 and criticized the administration for waiving the measures.
Tillis also accused the government of giving concessions to Putin while Russia continues its war against Ukraine. He argued that the administration should focus on resolving the Iran crisis to reduce energy costs rather than helping Russia sell more fuel.
The disagreement reflects the difficult balance between energy needs and foreign policy goals. The administration says the waiver could help expand fuel supplies and create leverage in peace talks. Critics argue that easing sanctions may weaken pressure on Russia and undermine efforts to hold Moscow accountable for the war.
The outcome remains uncertain. It is not yet clear whether the waiver will lead to a significant increase in Russian diesel exports or prompt any change in Moscow’s military strategy.
For now, the Trump administration is presenting the move as a limited energy measure tied to its diplomatic efforts. Ukraine and some U.S. lawmakers remain concerned that the decision could benefit Russia without delivering progress toward peace.
