Connecticut House Delegation Statement on President Trump Easing Russian Sanctions

October 15, 2026 Press Release Norwich, CT – Today, U.S. Representatives John Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) responded to recent news that President Trump is easing sanctions on Russia: “President Trump has now officially sought to ease sanctions on Russia through April 7 th following recent troubling reports that he would do just that. This is exactly what we were concerned would happen when we decided to vote against the Russian Sanctions Act last month . “President Trump has created a war of choice with Iran, raising utility costs and gas prices for everyone. Instead of putting an end to the war in Iran and holding Putin responsible for his vicious attacks on the Ukrainian people, he now seeks to buy diesel from the country that he should be sanctioning. Do not be fooled. This agreement will not bring diesel prices down. It will only put American dollars in the hands of a murderous dictator who will use the funds to kill Ukrainians. “President Trump has betrayed the Ukrainian people who have suffered at the hands of Vladimir Putin’s violence for far too long. He must reverse course, or his actions will draw out this war and the needless suffering of Ukraine.” ### Issues : Defense & National Security