Lawmakers Push Back Against Trump On Russian Diesel And Ukraine Satellite Access

A group of lawmakers from both major parties is intensifying its challenge to President Donald Trump’s recent moves on Ukraine. The pushback targets two specific areas: a new allowance for Russian diesel imports and reported restrictions on satellite communications. These actions have drawn sharp criticism from members of Congress who believe they weaken national security and prolong the conflict.

The controversy stems from a Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9. This rule permits transactions involving Russian diesel fuel, including direct imports into the United States. The waiver is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027. At the same time, reports emerged that Ukraine faced limits on using SpaceX’s Starlink and military-grade Starshield systems. Ukrainian officials stated these disruptions impacted military operations. However, they reported on October 24 that connection speeds had been restored. It remains unclear who originally imposed the restrictions.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania has introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026. He is joined by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. The bill aims to cancel the October 9 waiver and prevent future waivers for Russian energy imports. It also mandates that intelligence agencies support Ukraine’s defense. Furthermore, it requires agencies to notify congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours if any support is interrupted. The measure has been referred to three House committees.

President Trump has defended the diesel arrangement as a method to expand global supplies and lower prices. He announced the deal after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump stated that Russia agreed to immediately provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets. Diesel prices have risen sharply due to energy supply disruptions linked to the war in Iran. Fitzpatrick argued that the waiver undercuts a 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports. He stated, "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil."

On the satellite issue, eight lawmakers have urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon’s Starshield contract. They seek to guarantee uninterrupted service for Ukraine. The group includes Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin. They requested restored speeds and adequate coverage for military operations. They also suggested using the Defense Production Act to ensure service decisions are not left solely to a private provider.

Ukrainian reports indicate that restrictions introduced on October 13 disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. This hindered the guidance of defensive drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the limits persisted despite Trump’s claim that service was restored after contact with Elon Musk. Several Democrats are seeking answers. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Musk’s claim that the military and 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 have asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for a government-wide investigation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Senator Tillis wrote on X that whoever is handing Putin a more vulnerable Ukraine should have the guts to put their name on it.