The key facts

  • The Prohibit Corrupt Russia Oil Deals Act was introduced by Congressman Gregory Meeks
  • The bill revokes certain OFAC licenses and requires sanctions against Russia's energy sector
  • Meeks argues the deal will support Putin and will not lower prices for Americans

Bipartisan initiative in Congress

U.S. House of Representatives member Gregory W. Meeks on Friday introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at blocking the Donald Trump administration's plans to purchase and import Russian diesel. According to the lawmaker, the agreement reached will provide financial support to Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the war in Ukraine.

Contents of the bill

The measure, titled the Prohibit Corrupt Russia Oil Deals Act, according to Meeks' statement, would restrict government funding of Russian energy projects, revoke a number of licenses issued by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), prohibit the issuance of future licenses, and require the Trump administration to impose sanctions on Russia's energy sector.

Criticism of the deal

Meeks said the agreement benefits Moscow but will not bring tangible savings to American consumers. 'This deal will not lower costs for Americans who are already paying for Trump's failed war of choice in Iran. It will hand Putin millions of dollars to continue killing Ukrainian civilians with impunity,' Anadolu quoted him as saying.

Call to Congress

Meeks accused Trump of weakening pressure on the Kremlin: in his view, instead of supporting Ukraine, the president is seeking an agreement with Putin and concluding deals that 'enrich himself.' 'This goes against everything the United States stands for. Congress must act,' he added, calling on lawmakers who disagree with the agreement to support the bill.