Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Block Trump-Putin Diesel Deal, Trump Waives Russia Sanctions

General26 sourcesOct 17, 2026

SplitFactual rigor 57/100

The Story

Representative Gregory Meeks introduced bipartisan legislation on Friday, October 16, to prohibit the implementation of US President Donald Trump's commercial diesel agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The "Prohibit Corrupt Russia Oil Deals Act" aims to dismantle administrative mechanisms facilitating Russian petroleum transactions, mandate sanctions against the Russian energy industry, and restrict federal financial backing for related enterprises. Meeks stated the deal does not alleviate domestic economic pressures for American citizens and provides Moscow with critical hard-currency earnings that sustain military strikes against Ukrainian civilians.

Concurrently, President Trump signed an executive order on October 16, waiving most penalties under a new Russia sanctions law, the Lindsey Graham Act, two days before the measures were due to take effect. Washington had eased sanctions on Russian diesel on October 9 after Trump agreed with Putin to increase supplies in an effort to lower fuel prices ahead of November's US midterm elections.

President Trump also told reporters he does not yet know if Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 summit in Miami in December, but he certainly would love to have him. This invitation drew criticism from EU officials, including High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, who condemned it. Trump has defended his engagement with Moscow as part of his efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the diesel deal, saying he felt betrayed by Washington. Trump also criticized Zelensky over renewed attacks on Russian oil refineries, calling them a disgrace. European leaders, including Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis and Italian Prime Minister Meloni, expressed regret or warned of risks regarding the US decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, however, welcomed the agreement, arguing lower fuel prices are essential to Europe's economic competitiveness.

What they agree on

Representative Gregory Meeks introduced a bill on October 16 to block President Trump's diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The proposed legislation is titled the "Prohibit Corrupt Russia Oil Deals Act."
President Trump signed an executive order on October 16, waiving most penalties under the Lindsey Graham Act, a new Russia sanctions law.
The diesel deal between the US and Russia, agreed upon on October 9, aims to increase Russian diesel supplies to lower fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the diesel deal and resumed strikes on Russian refineries.

Where they split

Some sources, like Egypt Independent, frame the diesel deal as illustrating Trump's "coercive and transactional instincts" and potentially hinting at "eroded political clout," while others, like The Print, focus on the deal showing "the limits of US leverage over Ukraine."
RT (Russia Today) emphasizes Zelensky's "diplomatic nightmare" and Trump's suggestion for Ukraine to "get a new leader," while Reuters focuses on Zelensky blasting the deal and welcoming a "bigger European role in peace process."
Some articles, such as Kyiv Post, detail the specific provisions of Meeks' bill, including prohibitions on DFC investment and nullification of OFAC general licenses, while others provide a more general overview of the bill's intent to block the deal.
International sources like Bernama and MENA FN highlight European leaders' regret or warnings about the diesel deal, while US major sources like Reuters focus on Zelensky's reaction.