Speaker Johnson cautions White House on risks of easing Russia sanctions

In a recent interview, Speaker Johnson cautioned the White House about the possible fallout from President Trump’s decision to suspend the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act and to permit Russian diesel imports. Johnson emphasized that Putin “cannot be trusted” and urged a careful assessment of unintended consequences. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the only sanction lifted was the diesel embargo, noting that the United Kingdom had already eased its own restrictions.

High diesel prices have become a political headache, especially for farmers, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright speculated the relief could push Russia to scale back its invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian officials, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, have voiced worries that the administration may have limited Ukraine’s access to Starshield satellite internet and withheld missile-strike intelligence, claims denied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump responded on social media, saying he does not want to drive Russia away from negotiations and suggested Zelensky should consider new negotiators.