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Public disputes concerning Russia, including its government, institutions, officials and citizens, and disputes over Russia's relations with other states.
Counts show individual statements. They do not assign an overall position.
2 statements on this page. Dates: October 18, 2026
2 matching statements. Dates: October 18, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: October 18, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: October 18, 2026
2 statements on this page. Dates: October 18, 2026
Role at the time: U.S. treasury secretary
Statement summary
Bessent said the diesel embargo was the only sanction lifted and pointed to a British waiver on diesel and jet fuel made with Russian crude, asking where the outrage was for other countries.
“the U.K. in May waived their embargo on diesel and jet fuel made with Russian crude. So, you know, where’s the outrage for the rest of the world?”
The Hill reports Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's remarks on NBC's Meet the Press about the diesel arrangement and the Graham Act waiver.
Labels describe responses to the administration's easing of sanctions on Russian diesel. Bessent defends the easing by comparing it with a British waiver and saying European countries buy far more from Russia.
Role at the time: U.S. treasury secretary
Statement summary
Bessent said the Graham Act gives Trump flexibility and 60 days to assess the situation, and argued that European countries should share the burden of pressuring Russia.
“President Trump has made it clear he wants the killing to stop. And the so-called Graham bill gives the president the flexibility, gives him 60 days to assess the situation.”
NBC News transcript of the October 18 broadcast, with interviews of Sen. James Lankford, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent by Kristen Welker.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)The reference point is Trump's waiver of the Graham Act Russia measures. Bessent defends the waiver as a use of the law's flexibility and says no sanctions were lifted.
