President Trump's top aides offered sharply different explanations this weekend of his Russian diesel deal amid a barrage of bipartisan criticism calling the move a gift to Russia.

Why it matters: Oil , gas and petroleum products help finance Russia's war on Ukraine, and Trump's moves are bringing rifts within the GOP just ahead of midterm elections.

Catch up quick: Late Friday, Trump waived new sanctions against Russia and tariffs on top buyers of Russian energy that would have taken effect under the bipartisan Graham Act he signed last month.

That came just days after the administration waived certain sanctions as part of a deal aimed at enabling higher exports of Russian diesel after high prices have become a political millstone for Republicans.

Driving the news: Energy Secretary Chris Wright argued Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union" that Russia could only benefit from the diesel deal if it scales back its war on Ukraine enough to increase exports.

"This is a carrot to try to end a war.…