On Sunday, Trump claimed that Russia and Ukraine had entered into an “energy ceasefire,” reports Axios. That means both countries will not fire on the other’s energy facilities.
During a segment on the “Washington Watch” program, Steven E. Moore, founder of the Ukraine Freedom Project, said that while Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is open to stopping attacks on energy infrastructure, Russia’s Vladimir Putin has shown zero interest in honoring a truce.
“You see, this time, the president called for an energy ceasefire. The Ukrainians are like, ‘Great, when does it start?’ Then Putin, 14 hours later, launches an attack on an energy plant in Ukraine,” Moore says.
Moore also criticized a recent agreement allowing Russian diesel into global markets.
News outlets report that a bipartisan group of seven senators are calling on Trump's administration to “immediately reverse course” on a plan to buy diesel fuel from Russia as part of an effort to lower fuel prices before the midterm elections.
However, energy experts say the Russian deal is unlikely to make a dent in high prices at the pump.
Four the Senators are Republican, and three are Democrats. They contend that the administration failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute.
Robert Maginnis, president of Maginnis Strategies LLC, is concerned about the strategic implications.
“When we ease restrictions on Russian energy, we risk strengthening the government we are trying to pressure to end the war against Ukraine. Sanctions relief should purchase measurable results,” Maginnis states. “I would want verifiable Russian concessions, clear deadlines and provisions to restore restrictions if Moscow fails to comply with the agreement.”
Maginnis questions just how much this plan will reduce diesel prices, understanding “that Reuters has said that it’s going to be minimal at best.” He doesn’t see any evidence that there is sufficient time to see the plan work.
“We're in October, and we’re weeks away from the election. Now, I understand. I was out in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah last week. The prices were pushing 7 dollars for a gallon of diesel,” Maginnis says. “It’s really a pinch and hurting people, but I don't know that he can fix it fast enough.”
Should Trump cancel the deal?
“I would pause implementation until the administration demonstrates meaningful savings and enforcement Russian concessions,” Maginnis states.
Meanwhile, Moore argues it provides a critical financial lifeline to Moscow while doing little to help American consumers. All while, he said, Russian forces continue targeting civilians with Iranian-designed drones.
“It’s a really good deal for Putin. It’s not a great deal for U.S. consumers, and it’s a really bad deal for those people on the other end of these Russian-produced Iranian-designed drones.”
Addressing calls for elections in Ukraine, Moore stressed that voting is impossible without a secured ceasefire, warning that polling stations would become prime targets for Russian strikes.
