Trump’s Russian Oil Waiver Sparks Backlash as Ukraine Attacks Persist
The Trump administration is facing sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle after President Trump granted a waiver on sanctions for Russian diesel, even as Moscow continues its assault on Ukraine. The move, announced on Truth Social, is intended to lower soaring US fuel prices, which have spiked due to the US-Israel war with Iran that began on February 28. However, critics argue it undermines efforts to punish Russia for its aggression. Trump has also reportedly asked Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil facilities, as Moscow remains a major exporter of diesel. “This energy ceasefire, it can work, and it can become a major step towards ending the war if the Americans truly step in now and make sure Russians respect it,” a source said, highlighting the delicate balance the administration is trying to strike.nnThe waiver comes amid a perfect storm in global energy markets. Prices remain elevated because of the US-Israel conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies flow. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have compounded diesel shortages, affecting a fuel essential for agriculture and trucking. Susannah Streeter noted that cheaper diesel could provide relief to trucking companies, farmers, and manufacturers, though additional Russian supplies are unlikely to make a significant difference while Middle East disruptions continue. The administration defends the deal as necessary to protect American consumers. “Look, President Trump, they came into office with a mandate to work for the American people, and this is good for the American people,” one official said on Fox News Sunday, also slamming European critics as “hypocritical” because they “cannot wean themselves off Russian energy.”nnHowever, the decision has drawn condemnation from prominent Republicans and Democrats alike. Congressman Don Bacon stated that the majority of Americans support Ukraine, and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso downplayed contradictions with broadly popular Russia sanctions, arguing that Senator Graham’s law was meant to give the president another “point of leverage” against Putin. The move is likely to create a fresh crisis with Washington’s NATO allies. Meanwhile, Ukraine struck and partly disabled a major datacentre operated by Russian tech company Yandex on Friday, the second such action in successive days, underscoring the ongoing conflict. As the administration navigates these turbulent waters, the waiver’s impact on both fuel
Shimanta Das 
