August M
Two senior Democratic senators have sharply criticized the Trump administration over its decision to extend sanctions relief connected to Russian oil exports, arguing the move benefits Moscow while the war in Ukraine continues.
The backlash comes amid renewed Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and growing debate in Washington over how aggressively the United States should pressure the Kremlin economically, reports Kyiv Post.
Senators attack move
Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren issued a joint statement condemning the extension after Treasury General License 134B expired on May 16.
According to Kyiv Post, the lawmakers accused the administration of once again easing restrictions that allow Russian oil transactions to continue under temporary relief measures.
“The Trump Administration is delivering another dangerous and indefensible gift to Vladimir Putin by extending sanctions relief for Russian oil yet again,” the senators said.
They argued that additional energy revenue flowing into Russia ultimately strengthens Moscow’s ability to continue military operations against Ukraine.
Economic criticism
Shaheen and Warren also challenged claims that the policy helps stabilize energy prices or protects American consumers from inflation.
“With gas prices continuing to rise and inflation spiking, the Administration has not shown that this relief is lowering costs for American families or stabilizing global energy markets,” the statement said.
The senators claimed the policy had instead reduced pressure on Russian oil exports and allowed Moscow to maintain stronger pricing power on global markets.
They added that if the administration truly wanted to help energy-vulnerable countries, it could have pursued policies limiting the prices Russia is able to charge for oil shipments.
Timing questioned
The lawmakers described the timing of the decision as especially controversial given recent Russian military actions in Ukraine.
They referenced deadly missile and drone strikes on Kyiv as well as attacks affecting facilities linked to major American companies operating in Ukraine.
Recent reporting has tied Russian strikes to damage involving infrastructure connected to corporations including Boeing, Coca-Cola, Cargill, Mondelez International, and Philip Morris.
The senators also criticized Russia’s relationship with Iran, accusing Moscow of supporting actions targeting US military personnel in the Middle East.
Pressure on Russia
At the same time, Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in an effort to weaken Moscow’s war financing.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently claimed Ukrainian long-range strikes had reduced Russian oil refining capacity by around 10% and forced some oil wells to shut down.
Shaheen and Warren warned that easing economic pressure on Moscow risks encouraging further aggression.
The senators said continued weakness toward Russia could push prospects for a just end to the war even further away.
Sources: Kyiv Post, US Senate statements
