Trump suspends new Russia sanctions immediately after imposing them

Donald Trump imposed new sanctions on Russia required by law, as well as tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, but suspended them indefinitely on the same day.

The order was issued on the evening before the statutory 30-day deadline expired. Trump told Congress that delaying the measures served US national interests.

The law, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, codifies existing restrictions and requires additional measures. It also allows the president to suspend sanctions indefinitely after sending Congress a justification, part of which may remain classified.

Earlier sanctions relief

Trump recently lifted a ban on Russian diesel purchases, citing the interests of Americans facing high prices ahead of congressional midterm elections. He had also suspended restrictions on Russia’s oil industry, saying the aim was to reduce fuel prices.

Ruth Deyermond of King’s College London said the economic arguments were a pretext and that Trump had long wanted to ease sanctions on Russia. Daniel Fried, a former State Department sanctions coordinator, warned that the administration could rely on delays and waivers instead of applying the law’s toughest provisions.

Tariffs and Russia’s shadow fleet

The law allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from five countries that buy Russian energy or help Moscow evade sanctions. China, India and Turkey are identified as major buyers of Russian oil.

The article says pressure on those buyers would conflict with Trump’s stated goal of lowering fuel prices during the war with Iran. New restrictions on Russia’s shadow fleet have also not been imposed, while Energy Secretary Chris Wright has raised the possibility of easing them.

Europe rejects sanctions relief

Trump ultimately did not repeal existing US sanctions, instead codifying restrictions previously imposed by presidential orders. Europe continues to account for most of the sanctions pressure on Russia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would not lift sanctions until Russia ended the war. European Council President António Costa also said the time was to strengthen, not ease, pressure on Moscow.