Sen. Moran Urges Treasury Secretary Bessent to Not Extend Waiver for Russian Oil Sanctions

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week urged Department of the Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to reject any additional waiver extensions on certain Russian oil sales and resume enforcing sanctions announced in October 2025. The first 30-day sanctions waiver was issued by the Department of the Treasury on March 5, 2026. The current 30-day sanctions waiver extension is set to expire on June 17, 2026.

"While there is little evidence that American consumers have significantly benefited from the availability of Russian crude over the last three months, it is indisputable that the Russian government has earned billions of dollars in revenue free from sanctions," Sen. Moran wrote. "Upon the welcome news of the imminent reopening of the Persian Gulf to commercial traffic, renewing the waiver, therefore, fails to advance our nation's interests."

"By the first months of 2026, Russia's GDP had contracted 1.8 percent, and President Vladimir Putin faced difficult choices between funding his war against Ukraine and the well-being of the Russian people," continued Sen. Moran. "The waivers of the last 90 days have permitted him to delay any budgetary reckoning."

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Mr. Secretary:

As the 30-day sanctions waiver on certain Russian oil sales is set to expire on June 17, I strongly urge you to reject any additional waiver extension and resume enforcing sanctions announced in October 2025. While there is little evidence that American consumers have significantly benefited from the availability of Russian crude over the last three months, it is indisputable that the Russian government has earned billions of dollars in revenue free from sanctions. Upon the welcome news of the imminent reopening of the Persian Gulf to commercial traffic, renewing the waiver, therefore, fails to advance our nation's interests.

In President Trump's pursuit to end fighting in Ukraine, the imposition of sanctions on Russian oil sales last fall had a severe impact on Russian oil exports, by both reducing foreign markets and forcing Moscow to offer steep discounts to remaining purchasers. By the first months of 2026, Russia's GDP had contracted 1.8 percent, and President Vladimir Putin faced difficult choices between funding his war against Ukraine and the well-being of the Russian people. The waivers of the last 90 days have permitted him to delay any budgetary reckoning.

Despite the financial reprieve, the Russian military has yet to achieve a breakthrough in Ukraine, and there is evidence of rising domestic discontent. Achieving President Trump's goal of peace is increasingly closer to reality. Additionally, Russia has provided Iran with the means with which to place at risk the lives of U.S. servicemembers in the Middle East. Russia must not avoid consequences for such assistance.

For these reasons, now is the time to resume the economic pressure of the President's unprecedented sanctions on Russian oil sales. I thank you for your consideration.

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