Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Sunday defended President Donald Trump’s decision to waive new sanctions and tariffs intended to pressure Russia, asserting that the exemption was not an "economic lifeline" for the country.

Speaking on ABC News’ "This Week," Wright stated that the move was a "carrot to try to end a war," emphasizing that it was not meant to provide economic relief to Russia. President Trump signed an executive order late Friday, waiving the sanctions just two days before they were scheduled to take effect. These economic penalties were mandated by a bill named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, which the president had signed exactly one month prior.

The decision has drawn criticism from various quarters. Darline Graham, Senator Graham’s sister and successor in the Senate, expressed her disagreement, stating she would have preferred to "keep the pressure on Russia to end the war and get the gas prices down" due to a lack of trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also deemed Trump's decision "wrong," asserting that it "definitely helps only the Russians."

Despite these criticisms, Secretary Wright maintained that waiving the sanctions does, in fact, exert pressure on Russia. He explained that any benefit Russia might derive from this action would necessitate exporting diesel, which would either require reducing internal consumption, lessening the war effort, or repairing refineries. Wright suggested these outcomes are only achievable through a peace agreement with Ukraine or a similar step towards peace.

This executive order followed President Trump’s announcement of a deal to import millions of tons of diesel from Russia, despite a 2022 law prohibiting U.S. imports of Russian energy. The president also criticized Ukraine’s targeting of Russian oil refineries, claiming these attacks contribute to rising global energy prices.

The diesel import deal has faced bipartisan backlash from lawmakers, particularly as domestic diesel prices remain elevated, averaging over $6 per gallon. President Trump’s administration, however, argues that it is still applying significant pressure on Russian leadership. Wright pointed to the strength of current sanctions, stating they are the strongest ever imposed on Russia under the Trump administration.

Wright also addressed the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, noting that over four years and substantial casualties have not led to its end. He suggested that President Trump is seeking alternative approaches rather than abandoning efforts to resolve the situation.

The administration's actions and justifications are being closely scrutinized, especially given the ongoing war in Ukraine and its global economic repercussions, including fluctuating energy prices.