The US Congress is preparing a bill to completely ban purchases of Russian oil

The United States Congress plans to introduce a bipartisan bill aimed at completely blocking purchases of Russian oil. The initiative appeared against the backdrop of the decision of the Donald Trump administration to temporarily ease sanctions on the supply of Russian diesel fuel.

What does the new bill entail

On October 10, Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick announced on the social network X that a joint legislative initiative was being prepared with the participation of representatives of the Republican and Democratic parties.

The document will be called the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act.

Its main goal is to introduce legislative mechanisms that will allow completely blocking purchases of Russian oil.

According to Fitzpatrick, the initiators plan to achieve mandatory consideration of the document through a special parliamentary procedure – a petition to release the bill from consideration in committee (discharge petition).

The congressman expressed confidence that the initiative will receive the support of the vast majority of lawmakers.

At the same time, the specific timing of the introduction of the bill, the list of its co-authors from the Democratic Party and the mechanisms for implementing future restrictions have not yet been made public.

The initiative appeared after the easing of sanctions against the Russian Federation

The preparation of the bill is taking place against the backdrop of Washington’s controversial decisions regarding Russian energy resources.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced a successful conversation with Vladimir Putin, during which, according to him, the parties agreed on the supply of Russian diesel fuel.

Subsequently, the US Treasury Department announced the issuance of a temporary general license, which allows the supply of Russian diesel to the world market.

Thus, against the backdrop of the easing of certain sanctions restrictions, an initiative has arisen in Congress to increase economic pressure on Russia.

Ukraine’s reaction

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the US decision to temporarily ease sanctions against Russian diesel fuel.

The head of state called such a step a manifestation of weakness that could play into Russia’s favor.

At the same time, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is ready for reciprocal de-escalation measures, in particular in the energy sector.

According to him, Ukraine is ready to refrain from strikes on Russian oil refining facilities provided that Russia stops attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

The president also expressed hope for fair support from the United States and a more decisive position from Washington in relations with Moscow.

Will the initiative come into force

At the moment, it is only about preparing a bill. In order to come into force, the document must go through the procedures provided for by US law, including approval by both houses of Congress and signing by the president or overcoming a presidential veto.

Therefore, the announced initiative does not yet mean the introduction of a new ban.

At the same time, its appearance indicates the desire of some American lawmakers to increase sanctions pressure on the Russian energy sector regardless of the current decisions of the White House administration.