Bipartisan Lawmakers Press Administration on Russian Diesel Deal and Ukraine Satellite Access

Working families and national security advocates are watching closely as a bipartisan coalition of US lawmakers pushes back against recent administration moves involving Russia and Ukraine. The dispute centers on two distinct issues: a Treasury Department waiver allowing Russian diesel imports and temporary restrictions on satellite communications used by Ukrainian forces. Lawmakers from both parties argue that these steps could weaken the US position, harm domestic consumers, and prolong the conflict on the battlefield.

The energy controversy follows a waiver issued on October 9 that authorized transactions involving Russian diesel fuel, including imports into the United States. President Trump defended the decision as a strategy to expand global diesel supplies and lower prices for consumers. He announced the move after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia agreed to provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets immediately, with additional shipments to follow. Diesel prices have risen sharply recently due to energy supply disruptions linked to the war in Iran.

In response, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026. The bill is co-sponsored by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. If passed, the measure would cancel the current waiver, which is set to expire on April 7, 2027, and prevent future waivers for Russian energy imports. The legislation would also require intelligence agencies to support Ukraine's defense and notify congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours of any interruption to support. The bill has been referred to three House committees.

Fitzpatrick stated that the waiver undercuts a 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports, declaring, "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil." Bacon described the congressional push as a necessary check against what he called "egregious appeasement to Putin." He accused the president of reversing his own past criticism of Europe for buying Russian energy. Gluesenkamp Perez argued that if the administration wants lower gasoline prices, it should focus on ending the war in Iran rather than directing American money toward Russia.

A separate but related dispute involves satellite access for Ukraine. Eight lawmakers, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. They demanded guarantees of uninterrupted service, restored connection speeds, and adequate coverage for Ukrainian military operations, including over Russian territory. The group suggested using the Defense Production Act to ensure that service decisions are not left solely to the discretion of a private provider.

Ukrainian officials reported that restrictions introduced on October 13 disrupted communications for drones and other platforms moving faster than 100 miles per hour. This hindered the guidance of defensive drones. Although Kyiv reported on October 24 that satellite connection speeds had been restored, Ukrainian officials said the disruptions affected military operations. A Ukrainian official familiar with the matter noted that SpaceX had not responded to Kyiv about the earlier limits. The official added that while Kyiv is in contact with the US government, "no one has explained what happened or what will happen next."

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the limits remained in place despite Trump's claim that service had been restored after contact with Elon Musk. Several Democrats are seeking further clarity on who imposed the restrictions. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch led six lawmakers in questioning Musk's assertion that the military and the president decided on the limits. They cited reports suggesting that Musk himself proposed the restrictions.

Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a SpaceX briefing by November 12. Other representatives, including Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta, have asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for a government-wide investigation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Senator Tillis wrote on social media that whoever is handing Putin "the gift of a more vulnerable Ukraine" should "have the guts to put their name on it."