Ukraine Caucus Leaders Statement On Decision To Ease Sanctions On Russian OilPress ReleaseTradeJobs and the EconomyEnergy

Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) who are Co-Chairs and leaders from both sides of the aisle in the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, issued the following statement regarding the Administration's decision to ease oil sanctions on Russia:

"The decision to ease sanctions on Russia and allow Russian oil back onto the global market raises serious questions and threatens to weaken the international pressure campaign against Vladimir Putin's war machine.

"Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, we-as leaders of the Bipartisan Ukraine Caucus-have pushed for stronger sanctions on Dictator Vladimir Putin's regime to bring this war to an end. This decision moves in the opposite direction.

"This decision would allow for the sale of 124 million barrels of Russian oil-valued at over $12 Billion-amounting to barely one week of US oil consumption. Every dollar flowing into Russia's energy sector helps sustain Putin's war machine, prolongs the illegal invasion of Ukraine, and empowers a regime that continues to strengthen its partnership with Iran as it threatens American servicemembers across the Middle East.

"Now is the time for American resolve, not steps that risk weakening the pressure campaign against the Kremlin. We need to enforce harsher sanctions that will help end Russia's war in Ukraine, not throw them a lifeline. This move can only be seen as appeasement of Russian Dictator Vladimir Putin, who is hellbent on the downfall of our country, NATO, and Western Civilization as we know it.

"We call on the Administration to reverse course by keeping all sanctions in place and to work with Congress to advance bipartisan legislation that strengthens pressure on the Kremlin. Sustained economic pressure is one of the most effective tools we have to bring about a just end to Putin's illegal war against Ukraine.

"American leadership has always meant standing firmly with our allies and ensuring that tyranny never finds relief from the resolve of the Free World."

# # #