Democratic Senators Urge Trump Administration to End Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver

A group of six senators, led by Richard Blumenthal, warned that easing pressure on Moscow provides “billions of dollars” to adversaries while failing to stabilize global energy markets. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied U.S Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (R) and Richard Blumenthal speak at a press conference following a meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on February 16, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google A group of Democratic senators called on the administration of President Donald Trump on Friday, April 10, to allow a sanctions waiver for Russian oil to expire, arguing the policy has failed to lower global energy prices and instead fuels Moscow’s “war machine.” In a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the six senators – Richard Blumenthal, Jeanne Shaheen, Sheldon Whitehouse, Christopher Coons, Jacky Rosen, and Mark Kelly – strongly urged the Department not to extend the license permitting certain transactions involving Russian oil. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “The stated justification for this policy – stabilizing global energy markets in the wake of the war in Iran – has not borne out in practice,” the senators wrote. “Oil prices have not meaningfully declined, calling into question whether the waiver is achieving its intended purpose while clearly enabling an adversary.” Senator Blumenthal was even more blunt in a separate statement, asserting that the waiver has handed Russia an extra $150 billion to fuel its “murderous war machine” responsible for killing and kidnapping Ukrainian children , while Moscow provides Iran with intelligence to target US troops. The senators also criticized a similar 30-day waiver allowing the sale of Iranian oil, which is set to expire on April 19, 2026. They emphasized that continuing to ease sanctions while Russia provides Iran with valuable intelligence puts US troops and assets at “lethal risk.” Other Topics of Interest US and Iranian Delegations Arrive in Islamabad for ‘Decisive’ Peace Talks Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials have landed in the Pakistani capital for the highest-level negotiations in years, aimed at ending a war that has paralyzed global energy markets. “We urge the Department to allow this license to expire and to reaffirm a clear, consistent commitment to holding Russia accountable,” the letter concluded. I am leading my colleagues in demanding that Treasury Secretary Basset allow this sanctions waiver to expire & reaffirm a clear, consistent commitment to hold Russia accountable. pic.twitter.com/1vlhMMSmRA The diplomatic push comes as Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, have previously described any easing of sanctions as a “manifestation of weakness.” Kyiv has grown increasingly concerned that Russia is exploiting the Middle East crisis to bolster its war chest, even as US-led peace talks remain delayed due to the conflict with Iran. The Treasury Department has not yet indicated whether it will heed the senators’ call or extend the relief to prevent further spikes in energy costs, which have remained volatile since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.