President Donald Trump has decided to waive significant sanctions and tariffs aimed at Russia, a move that halts measures scheduled to be enacted under a law he endorsed last month. Announced through an executive order on Friday, Trump justified the waiver by stating it aligns with the national interests of the United States.
The sanctions, part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, were intended to escalate economic pressure on Russia due to its actions in Ukraine. The legislation proposed tariffs as high as 100% on imports from major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas and included penalties for nations aiding Russia in circumventing existing sanctions.
Under the executive order, the waiver remains in effect until Trump or another authorized official deems further action necessary. The legislation allows the president to suspend the measures by informing Congress that such a decision serves the national interest.
This decision arrives amidst increasing criticism of Trump’s approach toward Russia and the conflict in Ukraine. His administration’s warmer stance towards Moscow and public disagreements with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have drawn scrutiny.
The proposed sanctions had raised concerns among countries like China and India, significant purchasers of Russian oil, over potential disruptions to international trade and bilateral relations. Both nations have voiced reservations about the impact of additional U.S. restrictions.
Democratic lawmakers have criticized the waiver, arguing it undermines efforts to hold Russia accountable for its military actions in Ukraine. Proponents of the sanctions hoped the measures would restrict Moscow’s energy revenue and limit its access to global markets.
The suspension introduces uncertainty about when, or if, the new sanctions and tariffs will be enacted, as Washington navigates the balance between exerting pressure on Russia and addressing concerns over energy costs and international economic relations.