Lawmakers Move to Void 300,000-Ton Russian Diesel Deal and Mandate Satellite Access

The United States recently authorized the import of Russian diesel fuel, a move that has triggered a legislative push from members of Congress who want the decision reversed. The dispute centers on a Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9 and recent disruptions to satellite communications used by Ukrainian forces.

President Donald Trump defended the fuel agreement after discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He stated that Russia agreed to supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets immediately, with additional shipments to follow. The administration argues this arrangement will expand global supplies and lower prices, a position critics say overlooks the economic benefits flowing to Moscow.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026 to address these issues. His co-sponsors are Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. The bill would cancel the October 9 waiver, which is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027, and prohibit any future waivers for Russian energy imports.

Fitzpatrick argued that the waiver undermines a federal ban on Russian oil imports enacted in 2022. "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil," he said. Bacon accused the president of appeasing Putin and noted that Trump had previously criticized Europe for buying Russian energy. Gluesenkamp Perez suggested that if the goal is lower gasoline prices, the administration should focus on ending the war in Iran rather than sending money to Russia.

The second major component of the bill targets satellite access. Eight lawmakers, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, and Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. They requested a guarantee of uninterrupted service for Ukraine, including coverage over Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials reported that restrictions introduced on October 13 disrupted communications for drones and other platforms moving faster than 100 miles per hour. These disruptions hindered the guidance of defensive drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the limits remained in place despite claims by Trump that service had been restored after contact with Elon Musk. A Ukrainian official told RFE/RL that SpaceX had not explained the earlier limits to Kyiv.

The bill requires intelligence agencies to support Ukraine's defense and notify congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours of any interruption. The sponsors argue that service decisions should not be left solely to the discretion of a private provider. They suggested using the Defense Production Act to ensure stability in military communications.

Several Democrats are seeking answers regarding who imposed the satellite restrictions. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Musk's claim that the military and the president decided on the limits, citing reports that Musk proposed them. Senator Richard Blumenthal demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a SpaceX briefing by November 12. Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for a government-wide investigation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Senator Thom Tillis wrote on X that whoever is handing Putin the gift of a more vulnerable Ukraine should have the guts to put their name on it. The measure has been sent to three House committees for review.