U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended Donald Trump’s waiver of Russian sanctions on Sunday, 18 October 2026, calling it an incentive to end the war in Ukraine rather than an economic lifeline for Moscow. Speaking on ABC’s This Week, Wright said the move targeted diesel, which Russia currently does not export, and would only benefit Moscow if it scaled back the conflict or agreed to an energy ceasefire. Trump signed an executive order on Friday waiving key sanctions and tariffs under the Graham Act, which were due to take effect next week.