Bipartisan Lawmakers Target Russian Diesel Deal and Starlink Access

Tension between Congress and the White House has intensified over two distinct issues: the import of Russian diesel fuel and the availability of satellite communications for Ukrainian forces. Lawmakers from both parties are challenging President Donald Trump’s administration, arguing that recent executive actions weaken national security and give Moscow an unintended advantage in the ongoing war.

The conflict centers on a Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9. This authorization allows transactions involving Russian diesel, including its import into the United States. President Trump announced that Russia agreed to provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets. The waiver is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027. Diesel prices have risen sharply due to energy supply disruptions linked to the war in Iran.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026. The bill, co-sponsored by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, would cancel the October 9 waiver. It also bars future waivers for Russian energy imports. The measure requires intelligence agencies to support Ukraine’s defense and notify congressional committees within 24 hours of any service interruption. The bill has been referred to three House committees.

Fitzpatrick stated that the waiver undercuts a 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports, saying, "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil." Bacon told RFE/RL that Congress must check the president's actions, calling them "egregious appeasement to Putin." Gluesenkamp Perez argued that if the goal is lower gasoline prices, the administration should end the war in Iran rather than send money to Russia.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian officials reported that access to SpaceX’s Starlink and the military-grade Starshield satellite systems was restricted. The disruptions began around October 13 and affected military operations. A Ukrainian official said SpaceX did not respond to Kyiv about the limits, noting that "no one has explained what happened or what will happen next." Ukraine reported on October 24 that connection speeds had been restored, though it remains unclear who imposed the initial restrictions.

Eight lawmakers, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, and Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They urged the Pentagon to expand its Starshield contract and guarantee uninterrupted service. The group requested restored speeds and coverage for military operations over Russian territory. They suggested using the Defense Production Act to ensure service decisions are not left solely to a private provider.

Ukrainian reports indicate the restrictions disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the limits persisted despite President Trump's claim that service was restored after talks with Elon Musk. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions.

Democratic lawmakers are seeking further accountability. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Musk’s claim that the military and the president decided on the restrictions. Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a SpaceX briefing by November 12. Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for a government-wide investigation. Senator Tillis wrote on X that whoever is giving Putin a more vulnerable Ukraine should "have the guts to put their name on it."