10 October 2025
Sam Stein and Catherine Rampell give their takes on Trump’s decision to buy oil from Putin, just weeks after Trump signed Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions bill into law. Instead of increasing pressure on Russia, Trump is opening the door to Russian fuel exports that could help bankroll Putin’s war on Ukraine. Plus, they examine the bill’s loopholes, whether the deal will actually lower fuel prices, and why Trump is pressuring Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries. As Zelensky pushes back, Trump’s deal risks a major rupture in U.S.-Ukraine relations.
💩 Russia is supplying Iran with missiles that Tehran could use to attack the US and its allies According to Bloomberg, Moscow has begun supplying missiles to Iran. Earlier reports also indicated that Russia was providing Tehran with intelligence to help target American forces in the Middle East. Despite months of US and Israeli bombardment, Iran has preserved some of its missile and drone production facilities and can rapidly replenish its arsenals. Now, let's get back to Trump's diesel deal with Putin: 1️⃣ Trump eases sanctions, allowing Russia to make money from fuel exports. 2️⃣ Moscow gains additional opportunities to replenish its budget, which also funds military production. 3️⃣ Russia supplies missiles to Iran. 4️⃣ And Iran retains the ability to strike US military facilities and American allies. Absolutely genius! 👏
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) October 10, 2026
