In a fierce letter addressed to U.S. officials, over 50 lawmakers are demanding answers as to why U.S.-based oil giant Schlumberger (SLB) is still operating in Russia, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. The bipartisan group, led by Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), is calling for stricter sanctions on Russian oil and accusing the company of fueling Vladimir Putin’s war machine.
The letter, sent to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, expresses alarm that SLB continues to sign new contracts, recruit staff, and import millions of dollars in equipment into Russia since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Lawmakers argue this support is directly financing the war.
“This U.S.-based company is keeping…Putin’s war machine well-oiled with financing for the barbaric invasion of Ukraine,” the letter reads, urging immediate action to close loopholes that have allowed SLB to evade the sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its allies.
Auchincloss emphasized the strategic importance of oil to Russia’s war economy, stating, “Oil is the lifeblood of Putin’s war efforts, and allowing SLB to operate in Russia only strengthens their ability to finance this illegal offensive.”
While some companies have exited Russia in response to sanctions, SLB has remained, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current policies. U.S. Treasury officials reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing sanctions but offered no immediate explanation for the exception that allows SLB to operate.
As the situation continues to develop, pressure mounts on the Biden administration to further restrict Russia’s access to critical resources, ensuring that American companies do not inadvertently bolster Putin’s war chest.
