King Releases Statement on New ‘Deal’ to Ease Sanctions on Russia, Fund Putin’s Aggression Against Ukraine

October 10, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement amidst news that the White House has made an agreement to ease sanctions on Russian oil which will inevitably not ease the burden on Americans at the gas pump, yet help fund Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine:
“Americans nationwide are struggling with the cost-of-living – from prices at the pump to the cost of essentials at the grocery story – mostly due to Trump’s unconstitutional war in Iran and his devastating tariffs on our long-standing allies.
“Instead of pursuing solutions that are consistent with America’s values, President Trump has decided to ease energy sanctions on Russia. In doing so, he chose Putin over the American people, which will ultimately help fuel that autocracy’s bloody, unprovoked war of aggression on Ukraine.
“This so-called deal with Russia will do little for America and much for Vladimir Putin as he seeks to sustain his murderous campaign on Ukraine. To put this so-called deal into perspective, it amounts to 300,000 tons of diesel for October and then 500,000 for November – which may sound like a lot, but according to the administration’s own numbers is roughly the amount of diesel the American people use in a single day. This helps Russia far more than it helps the United States .
“Adding insult to injury, today’s deal is a slap in the face to every member of Congress who voted for the Lindsay Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act just last month which was designed to honor the memory of a strong defender of democracy and punish the leaders of these rogue nations. Every member of Congress who voted for this bill – 86 in the Senate , 262 in the House – should be demanding an immediate reversal of this decision.
“At the end of the day, this deal from the White House is an attempt to boost their short-term political prospects at the true cost of the American people. We are helping one adversary (though it’s questionable if the White House considers Putin that) and showing weakness to another due to Iran’s Strait of Hormuz oil blockade. This deal comforts our enemies and will do little for Americans. It’s a fraud.”
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