DID Press: Some members of the US Congress are preparing legislation to block purchases of Russian oil following an agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply Russian diesel to American and global markets.
Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, announced plans to introduce the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act in response to the agreement. The proposed legislation would prohibit purchases of Russian oil.
Fitzpatrick said he would use a discharge petition to force a vote on the bill in the House of Representatives. The procedure requires at least 218 signatures to bring legislation to the floor without the approval of House leadership.
Under the agreement announced by Trump on Friday, Russia is expected to supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel immediately, followed by additional shipments of 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons thereafter. The Trump administration has also temporarily eased restrictions on Russian fuel imports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the agreement, describing it as “not fair and not honest” and arguing that allowing Russia to sell fuel would provide Moscow with additional revenue while the war in Ukraine continues.
The proposed legislation could trigger a new confrontation in Washington over energy policy, sanctions against Moscow and the financial resources available to Russia during its war against Ukraine.