Democratic senators urge White House to let Russia oil sanctions waiver expire

A group of Democratic senators has urged President Donald Trump’s administration not to extend a sanctions exemption on Russian oil supplies that is due to expire on April 11.

In a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, six senators — Richard Blumenthal, Jeanne Shaheen, Sheldon Whitehouse, Christopher Coons, Jacky Rosen, and Mark Kelly — called for the waiver to be allowed to lapse, Caliber.Az reports. 

“No way the Russia sanctions waiver should be extended. Trump’s waiver has handed Russia an extra $150 billion a day to fuel its murderous war machine killing & kidnapping Ukrainian kids—while it aids Iran with intelligence to target our troops,” Senator Richard Blumenthal wrote on X.

I am leading my colleagues in demanding that Treasury Secretary Basset allow this sanctions waiver to expire & reaffirm a clear, consistent commitment to hold Russia accountable. pic.twitter.com/1vlhMMSmRA

— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) April 10, 2026

He added: “Extending the waiver after it expires tomorrow would be the height of hypocrisy, & stupidity. We know Russia is providing Iran with valuable intelligence used to target our troops & assets—putting them at serious risk—continuing this policy is deeply unacceptable.”

The senators argued that extending the waiver would undermine efforts to hold Russia accountable over its war in Ukraine and broader regional security concerns.

By Sabina Mammadli