Wright defends waiving sanctions: ‘It’s not an economic lifeline for Russia’

Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Sunday backed President Trump’s move to waive sanctions against Russia under a new legislation package, insisting that it is “not an economic lifeline” for Russia.

“This is an incentive to Russia that if they can reduce the conflict with Ukraine, [if] they can get an energy ceasefire or reduce the conflict such that they have diesel to export will allow it to flow to world markets,” Wright said in an interview on ABC News’ “This Week.”

“This is a carrot to try to end a war,” he continued. “It’s not an economic lifeline for Russia.”

Trump signed an executive order Friday waiving Russian sanctions two days before they were set to take effect under legislation he signed into law last month.

The legislation package, named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), was intended to pressure Russia to end its war against Ukraine by targeting major purchasers of Russian energy and other countries helping Russia evade sanctions.

The move drew criticism from several Republicans , including Trump’s former Vice President Pence, who said the waiver was “decidedly not in the national interests of the United States,” and Sen Thom Tillis (N.C.), who called it “beyond irresponsible.”

Sen. Darlene Graham (R-S.C.), who replaced her brother in the Senate, said she disagreed with Trump on the move.

“Personally I would choose to keep the pressure on Russia to end the war and get the gas prices down, because I don’t trust Putin and don’t trust Russia,” she said Saturday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also bashed the waiver, calling it “wrong” and saying, “It definitely helps only the Russians.”

When pressed on the backlash, Wright dismissed the criticism, arguing the skeptics misunderstood the administration’s approach.

“They are all wrong,” Wright said. “They don’t understand what President Trump’s doing.”

“The only way Russia gets benefit from this move means they have to export diesel, which means they have to either consume less diesel internally, reduce the war effort, or have an ability to repair their refineries, which they only can get to through a peace agreement with Ukraine, an energy ceasefire, or a step towards peace,” he continued.