Trump's decision to import Russian diesel is an 'incentive to end the war,' energy secretary says

President Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving new sanctions on Russia.

Aaron Schwartz/Getty Images US Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended Trump's decision to buy Russian diesel.

Wright said the relief is actually an "incentive" for Russia to end its war with Ukraine.

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and several US lawmakers have criticized the move.

President Donald Trump is still playing hardball with Russia, according to US Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright .

Wright defended Trump's decision to waive sanctions on Russia during a Sunday interview on CNN's "State of the Union with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash." In September, Trump signed into law a sanctions package targeting Russian officials and parts of its economy in an effort to pressure Russia amid its war on Ukraine.

Last week, Trump issued an executive order waiving those new sanctions, other restrictions, and some duties on Russia.

In early October, Trump also announced an agreement with President Vladimir Putin under which Russia would supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to America and the global market.

"President Trump waived sanctions just on diesel exports, and what's the one thing Russia has not been able to export over the last month or so? Diesel, because they're short of diesel," Wright said.

The Energy Secretary said waiving the sanctions solves two problems: the diesel oil shortage and Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.

"This is pressuring Russia.

Russia does not have diesel to export," Wright said.

"The only way they can get additional diesel to export is if they turn down the conflict with Ukraine." Wright said Russia would have to enter into an energy ceasefire or reduce its war efforts to have enough additional diesel to export.

"This is not going soft on Russia.