US Republican lawmakers move to block Trump's Russian diesel sanctions lift

Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has announced plans to introduce bipartisan legislation aimed at preventing the Trump administration from lifting sanctions on Russian diesel following reported discussions between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said the proposed bill would be called the "Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act" and would block "any and all purchases of Russian oil." He indicated the legislation would be brought to the House floor through a discharge petition, a procedural mechanism that bypasses committee review.

"It will pass overwhelmingly," Fitzpatrick stated in a post on social media platform X, signalling confidence in securing sufficient support across party lines. The initiative has already attracted backing from retiring Nebraska Republican Don Bacon, who agreed to serve as an original co-sponsor of the measure.

The legislative effort appears largely symbolic in timing, however, as the current congressional session will conclude in January, leaving limited opportunity for the bill to advance before the House term expires. Despite this constraint, the move underscores growing concerns among Republican lawmakers regarding potential sanctions relief for Russia without corresponding conditions or verification measures.