During a recent visit to Ukraine, Democratic members of the US Congress expressed strong disapproval of the easing of oil sanctions against Russia. Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Jim Himes made their remarks to reporters in Kyiv, highlighting the negative consequences of this policy.
Representative Himes stated, “This shameful practice has resulted in two main outcomes. Firstly, it has provided Russia with windfall profits through increased oil sales and higher prices. Secondly, it has allowed China to purchase more oil. We do not see any significant impact on oil prices from this decision.”
Himes, a member of the Intelligence Committee, noted that the intended goal of reducing gasoline prices in the United States has not been achieved through this approach. “This will be one of the stories we take back. I respect Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessen, who is the decision-maker in this case. However, it is also true that this exemption is subject to renewal every 30 days. I believe both Senator Blumenthal and I will return to the Secretary of the Treasury and say: all you are doing is enriching Russia and enabling China to build its reserves,” he added.
Senator Blumenthal emphasized that legislators could respond by introducing new sanctions legislation. He stated, “Instead of continuing the exemption, I would like to see the Senate of the United States pass a sanctions bill that would impose stricter penalties on anyone trading in Russian oil and gas, as well as tariffs on countries that are major buyers. Let’s call it what it is—this is certainly China and India. They have yet to demonstrate any moral backbone or economic pressure that they should be applying.”
Blumenthal expressed hope that lawmakers would use their authority to prevent the continuation of the sanctions exemption, which is set to expire on June 30, and to implement stronger restrictions.
On May 18, the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil for the third time this spring, issuing a new exemption that permits the delivery and sale of certain cargoes already at sea.
US lawmakers visiting Ukraine have criticized the recent easing of sanctions on Russian oil, arguing it benefits Russia and China while failing to lower gasoline prices. They advocate for stronger legislative measures to impose stricter penalties on trade with Russia.