US Lifts Russian Oil Sanctions, Affecting Ukrainian Refugees

0:00In Anchorage, it's March 13th, and here's what is going on. The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil already at sea, a move to help bring down soaring global energy prices, now near one, $100 a barrel. The Treasury Department exemption lasts until April 11th, and could release hundreds of millions of barrels into world markets. This comes as the Trump administration deals with energy surges tied to conflicts including the war in Iran. This policy shift marks a change from earlier efforts to hit Russia economically over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year. Treasury Secretary Scott Besin says the oil release aims to ease prices without fully ending pressure on Moscow. Ukrainians living in Alaska worry the decision will boost Russia's war chest since oil sales fund much of the conflict. Groups like new chance in Anchorage help Ukrainian refugees through the uniting for Ukraine program, offering housing, jobs, and support during their two-year parole stays.

1:03Many fled the invasion, but now face uncertainty as some return home or move away. Renewal applications for parole have been inconsistent with some waiting up to a year despite fees of $2,330 per person. Employers in Alaska, short on workers, are frustrated as Ukrainian's risk losing legal status to work on key projects like pipelines and mining. Alaska governor Mike Dunleavy wrote to President Trump in January asking to let these refugees stay and keep contributing to the labor force. His office has not heard back yet, but small signs of local support like Ukrainian flags continue to give the community hope amid the ongoing strain. A message from our sponsor supports today's story. Headphones in a pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense, S-O-L-I, solelypillo.com