Bipartisan Lawmakers Move To Block Russian Diesel Waiver And Secure Ukraine Satellites

Lawmakers are advancing measures to terminate a federal authorization for Russian diesel imports and demanding guarantees that Ukraine's satellite communications will remain uninterrupted. These actions follow a Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9 permitting transactions involving Russian diesel fuel, including imports into the United States. Reports also indicate that Ukraine's access to Starlink and Starshield satellite systems has faced restrictions.

The waiver remains in effect until April 7, 2027, a timeline that Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick intends to cut short. Along with co-sponsors Don Bacon and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Fitzpatrick has introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026. The proposal would immediately void the October 9 waiver and prevent future authorizations for Russian energy imports. It would also mandate intelligence support for Ukraine's defense and require notification to congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours if that support is interrupted. The measure has been forwarded to three House committees.

President Trump has defended the waiver as a necessary measure to expand global diesel supplies and reduce prices, citing an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin for immediate deliveries exceeding 300,000 metric tons. However, bill sponsors maintain the waiver conflicts with a 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports. "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil," Fitzpatrick stated.

On October 24, Ukrainian officials reported that satellite connection speeds had been restored, though disruptions affecting military operations were previously reported. Ukrainian officials told RFE/RL that SpaceX had not responded regarding the earlier limits. While Kyiv has contacted the US government, a source stated, "no one has explained what happened or what will happen next." Ukrainian reports indicate that restrictions introduced on October 13 affected communications for platforms exceeding 100 miles per hour (160 km/h), hindering drone guidance.

Eight lawmakers from both parties, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Mike Quigley and Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis and Elissa Slotkin, have asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. Their request covers uninterrupted service, adequate coverage for Ukraine's lawful military operations, including over Russian territory, and a smooth transition from commercial Starlink to Starshield. They suggested using the Defense Production Act to ensure service decisions "should not be left solely to the discretion of a private provider."

Investigations into the origin of the satellite restrictions are underway. Representatives Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch led a group questioning Elon Musk's claim that the military and the president decided on the restrictions, citing reports that Musk proposed them. Senator Richard Blumenthal has set a November 5 deadline for written answers from Musk and requested a SpaceX briefing by November 12. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions.