Two of President Donald Trump’s top officials have explained his Russian diesel deal in different ways this weekend. One says it is a bargaining chip to end the war in Ukraine. The other says Russia would have sold the fuel anyway. Their comments come as lawmakers from both parties criticize the administration’s approach to Russia.
\n\nEnergy Secretary Chris Wright spoke on Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” and ABC’s “This Week.” He described the deal as an incentive. If Russia scales back its fighting in Ukraine, he said, it could secure an energy ceasefire and have diesel to sell, which the U.S. would let flow to world markets. He argued that Russia only benefits if it eases the war enough to raise its exports. “This is a carrot to try to end a war. It’s not an economic lifeline for Russia,” he said.
\n\nSecretary of State Marco Rubio gave a different account on Saturday. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, he said the diesel was going to be sold one way or another, regardless of what Trump did.
\n\nThat decision followed a separate step taken days earlier. The administration had already waived certain sanctions as part of the…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/world
