17.10.2026 11:13
US President Donald Trump suspended the Russia sanctions under the Lindsey Graham Act, which Congress passed in September, two days before they were due to take effect. The decree stated that the waiver would remain in effect until Trump or senior officials deem otherwise.
U.S. President Donald Trump used his presidential authority to block numerous sanctions passed by the U.S. Congress in September aimed at increasing pressure over Russia’s war against Ukraine. Trump suspended sanctions on Russia two days before the law he himself signed was due to take effect.
TRUMP: U.S. NATIONAL INTERESTS
Signing the decree containing the suspension of sanctions, Trump stated that the decision was taken in line with “U.S. national interests” and said, “At this stage, I have submitted a document to Congress stating that granting such an exemption is in the U.S. national interest.” In the decree published on Friday, it was reported that the said exemption for Russia would remain in effect until Trump or senior officials decided that “further action is appropriate.”
SANCTIONS TARGETING RUSSIA
The bill included imposing tariffs of up to 100 percent within 30 days on all goods brought into the U.S. from any country among the five largest countries importing crude oil or natural gas from Russia (most importantly China and India), as well as any country among the first five countries that knowingly purchased oil or natural gas within 30 days after the law took effect or helped Russia evade sanctions.
HIS DEAL WITH RUSSIA DREW CRITICISM
Trump had received criticism from many U.S. senators, including some Republicans, over his latest diesel deal with Russia. In the deal, Trump agreed to lift sanctions on Russian exports, while Russia agreed to supply diesel to global markets to lower fuel prices. Senators criticizing the deal said it would help finance Russia’s war efforts.
HAD BEEN NAMED THE LINDSEY GRAHAM ACT
Meanwhile, the law containing sanctions on Russia, passed by the U.S. Congress in September and signed by Trump, was expected to take effect on Sunday, October 18. The sanctions law was named after Republican South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11 and was one of Ukraine’s most loyal defenders.