A last-minute intervention by the White House has stalled a bipartisan congressional effort to impose new sanctions on Russia, with officials citing broader national security concerns. The move comes just days after the administration finalized an agreement allowing Russian diesel fuel exports to continue, raising questions about the consistency of U.S. policy toward Moscow. Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the delay, arguing that the sanctions package—designed to counter Russian aggression and support Ukraine—should not be held up for political or economic negotiations. The pause underscores ongoing tensions between Congress and the administration over how aggressively to respond to Russian actions abroad.
President Trump paused a congressional Russia sanctions package in the national interest, shortly after announcing a deal for Russian diesel.
