Chris Wright says Russia sanctions waiver could encourage an energy ceasefire
The US energy secretary defended President Donald Trump’s decision to pause new penalties, arguing that Russia would have to change its conduct to benefit from diesel exports.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended President Donald Trump’s waiver of new sanctions and tariffs on Russia in an October 18 interview with ABC News, saying it could encourage Moscow to reduce its war against Ukraine or agree to an energy ceasefire. The measures had been intended to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin and were due to take effect two days after Trump signed the waiver on October 16.
“This is a carrot to try to end a war. It's not an economic lifeline for Russia,” Wright told Martha Raddatz on ABC’s “This Week.” He said the waiver could allow Russian diesel to reach world markets if the conflict eased or an energy ceasefire were reached. Those conditions describe Wright’s argument for the policy, rather than an established consequence of the waiver.
How Wright says Russia could benefit
Wright argued that Russia would gain only by exporting diesel. To do that, he said, it would have to consume less fuel at home, reduce its war effort or repair its refineries. He linked refinery repairs to a peace agreement with Ukraine, an energy ceasefire or another step toward peace. ABC did not independently establish that those are the only routes by which Russia could repair its refineries or benefit from the decision.
The waiver follows legislation Trump signed a month earlier requiring the economic measures. ABC reported that the bill was named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. His successor, Senator Darline Graham, said she would have kept pressure on Russia to end the war and bring down gas prices, adding that she did not trust Putin or Russia.
Rubio cites a 60-day economic review
Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a different emphasis to the pause. He said it would last 60 days while the administration assessed what the sanctions and tariffs could mean for the US and global economies, AFP reported. Rubio said the restrictions involved countries beyond Russia and that several conflicts were already affecting oil and diesel prices. Earlier NewsJaws coverage detailed Rubio’s explanation of the 60-day pause.
AFP reported that the order followed a deal with Putin allowing Russian diesel exports in exchange for easing sanctions. Rubio argued that the diesel would reach world markets regardless, and that the question was how much the United States would receive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Trump’s decision wrong and said it helped only Russia, according to ABC. Wright disputed that assessment in his interview.
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Sources and context
- Energy secretary defends waiving sanctions on Russia: 'It’s not an economic lifeline'ABC News
- Trump paused Russia sanctions to 'analyse' impact on global economy: RubioAFP, republished by Dawn
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.