Eichensehr says Russia has not met the conditions for ending the import ban
Kristen EichensehrHarvard law professor, in comments published by TIME on October 13
Eichensehr says Russia's continuing attacks prevent the president from making the certifications required to end the statutory ban.
“On the substance, the President cannot, as a factual matter, make the certifications because Russia is still attacking Ukraine”
Interview
Where this statement fits
Should the U.S. lift sanctions on Russian diesel to bring down fuel prices?
On October 9, 2026, President Donald Trump said that after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia would supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately and up to 4.8 million tons in all to the American and global markets, and that diesel prices would come down. The same day, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General License 135, which authorizes the sale, delivery and importation of Russian-origin diesel until April 7, 2027. The U.S. has not imported Russian oil or gas since 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said easing sanctions without a de-escalation agreement plays into Russia's hands, and lawmakers in both parties said the arrangement would fund Russia's war in Ukraine. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick said he would introduce a bill to block all purchases of Russian oil and force a vote by discharge petition. The dispute is over whether the U.S. should ease sanctions on Russian diesel to lower fuel prices.
Source and context
Interview
About this source
TIME publishes original comments from legal experts. The interview date is not specified.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
TIME asks legal experts about the 2022 energy import law. Eichensehr says Congress limited the president's usual flexibility to waive sanctions.
After the quotation
She also says the administration has not followed the consultation process. Treasury maintains that the temporary diesel license complies with applicable law.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Relative to easing sanctions to allow Russian diesel imports, Eichensehr says the president cannot lawfully make the certifications needed to end the import ban, a legal objection to the decision.
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- Eichensehr says Russia has not met the conditions for ending the import ban
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The Dispute Index. "Eichensehr says Russia has not met the conditions for ending the import ban". First published: 2026-10-24. Last updated: 2026-10-24. https://disputeindex.com/events/6660-eichensehr-says-russia-s-continuing-attacks-prevent-the