A group of US senators has appealed to the Treasury Department to not extend sanctions exemptions that allow certain transactions with Russian oil. This refers to the validity of a license that expires soon. According to the authors of the appeal, this allows Russia to receive additional revenue from oil exports amid the war against Ukraine. This was reported by the office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen, writes UNN.
Details
The letter was initiated by Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, Sheldon Whitehouse, Chris Coons, Jacky Rosen, and Mark Kelly. They appealed to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent with a request to allow the sanctions relief to expire without extension.
According to them, due to high fuel prices and eased restrictions, Russia receives about $150 million per day in additional revenue from oil sales.
Senators' position
This policy, however temporary or limited, risks providing the Russian Federation with a steady stream of revenue at a time when it is actively waging war against Ukraine and continues to attack Americans.
They also emphasized that the continued easing of sanctions could undermine the joint efforts of the US and its partners to exert economic pressure on Russia. Separately, the appeal mentions the risk of financing Iran's actions against the backdrop of a separate 30-day license for Iranian oil, which expires on April 19, 2026.
The senators called on the Treasury Department not to extend the relevant permits and to confirm its intention to increase pressure on Russia.
US may extend permission to buy Russian oil - media10.04.26, 19:17