James Lankford says President Trump is walking a ‘fine balance’ with Russian oil deal

Sen. James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican, says President Trump is managing a "fine balance" in his dealings with Russia. In an exclusive Meet the Press interview aired October 18, 2026, Lankford argued that the president is trying to keep pressure on Moscow while also easing burdens on American households. That framing follows Trump's decision to waive the Russia sanctions measure tied to Lindsey Graham and to strike an oil agreement with Vladimir Putin, according to NBC News.

The move has not gone unchallenged. NBC News coverage alongside the interview points to bipartisan pushback on a diesel arrangement with Russia that Trump is pursuing as he tries to bring down prices. Zelenskyy voiced regret that Trump sidestepped a sanctions law named for Graham. Lankford, for his part, maintained that Trump is siding with Ukraine, though the two sides do not always agree.

On the price question, Scott Bessent has said costs will fall after the Iran war ends.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NBC News’s reporting. Read the full story at NBC News →