Trump waives new Russia sanctions, citing U.S. interests and peace talks

The Big Picture

President Donald Trump has waived key parts of a newly enacted law designed to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine, including planned tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas and higher duties on Russian goods.

Trump signed the executive order on Friday, Oct. 16, two days before the measures were due to take effect. He told Congress that the waiver was in the national interests of the United States. The move followed his administration's announcement of an agreement to purchase Russian diesel, and it has brought criticism from lawmakers in both parties as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

What Happened

The waivers apply to portions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which Trump signed into law in September. The law was named for the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who had championed the legislation before his death in July.

The measure was intended to restrict revenue that helps finance Russia's war against Ukraine. It targeted Russian officials, banks and other financial institutions, along with a so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to move Russian energy while evading restrictions.

It also authorized tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India. Trump also waived planned duties on Russian goods, which the law authorized at up to 500%.

Under the executive order, the waived measures will remain on hold until Trump or administration officials decide that further action is appropriate. CNBC reported that sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders remain in force.

Why It Matters

The decision marks a significant shift from the central purpose of the Graham Act, which was to use economic pressure against Moscow and countries helping sustain its energy trade. The law passed with broad bipartisan support, but it gave the president authority to waive some provisions after certifying that doing so served U.S. interests.

Trump's action came about a week after he announced a deal for Russia to supply diesel to U.S. and global markets as fuel prices rose. Trump said Russia would provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons afterward.

The sanctions waiver also comes shortly before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, with energy prices and the cost of living prominent concerns for voters. Critics of the diesel agreement and the sanctions pause argue that the policies could provide Moscow with additional revenue without delivering meaningful relief for consumers.

What Each Side Is Saying

Trump initially offered no detailed public explanation beyond his certification to Congress. On Sunday, he said the waiver was intended to preserve diplomacy with Moscow. “I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that he did not want to “drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table.”

Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the decision, saying it was an incentive for Russia to reduce the conflict and was not an economic lifeline for Moscow, according to The Hill.

Opponents said the move undermines congressional intent and weakens Ukraine's position. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina called the decision “beyond irresponsible,” while Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said Graham would have been appalled, according to Al Jazeera.

Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who co-drafted the bill, said Trump was turning his back on Americans, Congress and European allies. Democratic Rep. Don Beyer said the waiver betrayed Ukraine and disregarded Congress's effort to punish Russia for its invasion.

Zelenskyy said the decision would strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin's war effort. He urged Americans to support the sanctions law, saying pressure on Russia was needed to help end the war. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, by contrast, called the suspension of the Graham Act “an important and truly historic moment.”

What Happens Next

The order does not set a date for restoring the waived measures. Trump and senior administration officials retain discretion to decide when further action is appropriate.

Congress is in recess until after the midterm elections, limiting lawmakers' immediate options for challenging the waiver. The debate is likely to continue as the administration pursues negotiations with Russia and Ukraine, while critics press Trump to use the sanctions authorities Congress approved.