Trump waives new Russia sanctions passed by Congress, citing ‘national interests’
The order halts tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy and leaves earlier sanctions in place.
- On Friday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order waiving various sanctions and duties on Russia established by the Graham Act, days before these measures were set to take effect.
- Trump signed the Graham Act on September 18, 2026, aiming to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major importers of Russian crude oil or gas and targeting countries facilitating sanctions evasion.
- The executive order waives specified provisions under Sections 102 through 117 of the law, while Trump directed the Trade Representative to monitor ongoing purchases of Russian energy and report circumstances indicating further action may be needed.
- Administration officials stated the waivers serve the national interest of the United States, though the decision faces criticism from lawmakers concerned that easing restrictions could provide revenue to Moscow while the war in Ukraine continues.
- The administration retains authority to reinstate measures if needed, while future tariff provisions target countries that knowingly make new purchases of Russian crude oil or gas on or after October 18, 2026.
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Just a month ago, Donald Trump signed a series of tough sanctions against Russia. Now they have been put on hold. A classic reality twist that testifies to a US without "adults in space," assesses Professor Derek Beach.
Putin Envoy Calls Trump’s Russia Sanctions Waiver ‘Historic Moment’
Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev has hailed Donald Trump’s decision to waive measures under a new Russia-related sanctions law as a “historic moment”, while the order leaves existing US sanctions in place and allows Washington to reconsider its approach
Westfalenpost
After concluding a controversial diesel deal with Moscow, Trump has stopped planned sanctions against Russia for the time being. Ukraine news in the blog.
Trump Blocks Lindsey Graham’s Russia Sanctions Just Weeks After Signing Them Into Law
US President Donald Trump has blocked the implementation of sweeping sanctions and tariffs against Russia and buyers of Russian energy under a law championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, just weeks after signing the legislation himself.
The measures had been approved by Congress a month ago. This decision represents a new turn in favor of the Kremlin and against Zelenski.
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