US Republicans criticise Trump for sanctions concessions to Moscow

Criticism from within own party

A wave of outrage is intensifying within the US Republican Party over President Donald Trump's decision not to impose new sanctions and tariffs on Russia. According to Bloomberg, legislators, including the head of state's closest allies on Capitol Hill, have spoken out against such concessions. Critics claim the president is ignoring the will of Congress, which last month passed a sanctions bill by a large majority, initiated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

According to opponents, forgoing the restrictions will allow Moscow to finance the war against Ukraine. As a result, Trump has had to publicly defend his position before representatives of his own political force.

House Speaker demands consultations

On Sunday, 18 October, House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he had requested a discussion of the situation with the presidential administration. This was a rare instance of him publicly expressing disagreement with Trump. Johnson emphasised that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is a person who cannot be trusted.

«Я сказав команді Білого дому, що нам потрібно про це поговорити й ретельно розглянути непередбачені наслідки, які це може спричинити» (I told the White House team that we need to talk about this and carefully examine the unforeseen consequences this may cause), Johnson explained.

Senators call decision a mistake

Republican Senator from North Dakota Kevin Cramer also called for stronger measures to support Ukraine. He noted that he visited Kyiv this month as part of a Congressional delegation and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Cramer characterised the sanctions concessions as «капітуляцію перед задирою» (capitulation to a bully), noting that such a tactic would not work.

His Pennsylvania colleague Dave McCormick called easing pressure on Russia a bad idea, although he acknowledged Trump's efforts to lower fuel prices. «У цьому й полягає суперечність» (That is the contradiction), McCormick noted.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a close ally of the president, stated on Saturday that the administration should have sought other ways to reduce fuel costs. Among the alternatives, he cited increasing imports from Canada or temporarily waiving requirements for the use of renewable fuels.

«Я хотів би, щоб президент цього не робив. Думаю, це була помилка. Поточний шлях, на жаль, вигідний лише Путіну» (I would have preferred the president not to do this. I think it was a mistake. The current path, unfortunately, only benefits Putin), Cruz said regarding the executive order signed late on Friday night.

President's stance and legislative pushback

Donald Trump himself confirmed on Saturday that he considers the waiver of sanctions the right step. «Це дуже хороше рішення. Воно буде корисним для країни й, думаю, для світу» (This is a very good decision. It will be beneficial for the country and, I think, for the world), the president told journalists.

The sanctions exemption was announced shortly after an agreement was reached with Russia regarding the export of diesel fuel. The main goal of the deal is to lower high fuel prices ahead of the mid-term elections. However, the new controversy threatens to deepen the rift between the White House and its allies in Congress, particularly in the context of the risk of Republicans losing their majority in both chambers.

Separately, Ohio Republican Congressman Mike Turner called for a parliamentary investigation into Ukraine's complaints about restrictions on the use of SpaceX satellite technologies. «Через такі речі життя опиняються під загрозою, і люди гинуть» (Because of things like this, lives are put at risk, and people are dying), Turner emphasised.

Leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen signed a letter against the administration's decision last week along with six other senators. She reminded that in 2022, Congress explicitly banned the import of Russian energy carriers to prevent the financing of Putin's war against Ukraine with American funds.

A legislative response is also being prepared in the House of Representatives. On Friday, a group of Democrats and one Republican introduced a bill to block the import of Russian diesel. However, its passage in the Republican-controlled Congress will be difficult, and overcoming a potential presidential veto will require significant support.

Appeal from twelve senators

Earlier, twelve US senators called on Trump to cancel the diesel deal with Russia. The appeal was signed by six Republicans and six Democrats, including Tom Tillis, Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Richard Blumenthal. The legislators stated that this agreement provides the Kremlin with additional resources for the war and the continuation of attacks on Ukrainian civilians.