Sen. Kevin Cramer Proposes Deal for Ukraine Energy Strikes

Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota asserted on Sunday that Ukraine might agree to stop attacking Russian energy sites in return for U.S. targeting assistance. During an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” with host Margaret Brennan, Cramer mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seemed quite positive about this idea when he presented it during a recent visit to Ukraine. It’s worth noting that Ukraine resumed its attacks on Russian oil refineries just days ago after a temporary pause requested by former President Donald Trump, aimed at lowering diesel prices.

Brennan inquired about the proposal Cramer had introduced to Zelenskyy, specifically if it involved expanding access to Starshield, a secure satellite network developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. She pointed out that this technology has been instrumental for Ukraine in targeting areas held by Russia. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated the night before that, according to his information, Ukraine might have lost access to this capability.

“You’re right, that was a proposal we brought to President Zelenskyy,” Cramer explained. He credited Senator Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, for the idea. “President Zelenskyy was enthusiastic about it. He said, ‘I’d do that tomorrow.’” Cramer noted that Zelenskyy would agree to stop the strikes on Russian energy sources in exchange for the targeting capabilities Starshield offers, which would enable Ukraine to penetrate deeper into Russia and target launch facilities. He emphasized, “In other words, kill the archer, not the arrows.” Zelenskyy also requested the ability to co-produce Patriot missile interceptors.

Cramer mentioned that Zelenskyy’s requests were straightforward, and he personally agreed with them. He added, “Russia has chosen to go after civilian populations, while President Zelenskyy has simply gone after the war machine’s funding source, which is energy.”

Brennan highlighted that Ukraine had resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries while Russia continued targeting energy infrastructure in Ukraine, prompting her to ask who in the Trump administration was working towards ending the conflict. Cramer admitted he hadn’t discussed Zelenskyy’s sentiments with Rubio and noted that Trump’s representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were also part of this effort. He expressed concern about a possible disconnect in perspectives, implying there’s a difference between business negotiations and efforts aimed at protecting humanity.

“But ultimately, I think the president recognizes where the responsibility lies,” he concluded. When asked if Senator Wicker was taking the proposal to the White House, Cramer affirmed, “Oh, yes. Yes. Yes, for sure. We had discussions with people in the White House, the Department of War, and the State Department before meeting with President Zelenskyy.”

Earlier in the interview, Cramer acknowledged that he aligns with Republican colleagues who have criticized Trump for his waiver of Russia sanctions, but he emphasized the impact of diesel fuel prices on North Dakota. “European allies have been funding Putin’s war machine by purchasing energy for decades. They need to stop immediately,” he urged, while also predicting that the sanctions waiver would just be a temporary measure.

Trump signed an executive order on Friday allowing buyers of Russian energy to bypass sanctions and tariffs mandated by legislation he enacted on September 18.