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Trump waives new Russia sanctions passed by Congress, citing ‘national interests’
The waiver delays penalties on Russia and major energy buyers, preserving Trump’s power to restore measures as lawmakers warn it weakens pressure on Moscow.
On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving sanctions on Russian energy importers, nullifying the Lindsey Graham Act before its scheduled Sunday implementation.
Designed to cut funding for Russia's four-year war, the Graham Act mandated tariffs of up to 100% on Russian energy importers; Trump waived these to facilitate imports and lower U.S. diesel prices, which reached $6.33 per barrel.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the move, saying it "helps only the Russians" in their war, as Russia simultaneously launched one of its largest attacks on Ukraine's energy sector using more than 320 drones and striking more than 15 facilities.
"Beyond irresponsible," Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said, while Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., labeled it "Trump's latest surrender to Putin," citing the law's overwhelming bipartisan Senate passage.
Russian official Kirill Dmitriev called the suspension "an important and truly historic moment," while New York Rep. Gregory Meeks introduced legislation Friday to block the diesel deal and Darline Graham said she would "keep the pressure on Russia.
Donald Trump eliminates new sanctions against Russia and provokes criticism of Ukraine. Moscow welcomes the decision, which holds tariffs of up to 100% against Russian oil buyers.