Trump waives some Russia sanctions as new US law takes effect

US President Donald Trump has used an executive order to block several Russia sanctions passed by Congress over Moscow’s war against Ukraine. The order was issued on Friday night, ahead of the law’s scheduled effective date of 18 October.

Trump said waiving some of the measures served US national interests. He signed the sanctions bill in September.

Law allowed tariffs of up to 100%

Named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the law gave the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India.

It also covered sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior government figures, banks and other financial institutions, and Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers used to evade existing restrictions.

Lawmakers demanded full implementation

On Thursday, 20 lawmakers from both parties urged Trump to carry out the law fully. They said the measures could be decisive in persuading Putin to take peace talks more seriously.

Trump’s decision came as he pursued plans to import Russian diesel to lower US energy prices before November’s midterm elections. The proposal has prompted bipartisan criticism.

US allies also criticised the potential purchase, warning that it could support Russia’s war effort. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the deal a gift to Putin and “an investment in a war that must be ended.”