U.S. President Donald Trump waived key sanctions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, days before they took effect, amid escalating tensions with Ukraine. The move, which allows Trump to waive tariffs on Russian goods and penalties for buying its oil and gas, was announced in an executive order on Oct. 16.
Trump's decision to waive the sanctions, which were part of a law signed in September, follows a recent agreement with Russia to allow the country to sell diesel to the U.S. and global markets. The agreement aims to alleviate fuel shortages but has drawn criticism from lawmakers who warn it could enable further sanctions relief for Moscow.
The move has sparked immediate backlash from Democratic lawmakers, who accuse Trump of undermining congressional intent and aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Senators and representatives have called for the U.S. to rescind the deal, arguing it risks enabling further Russian war efforts and undermining Ukraine's position.
Russia has hailed Trump's decision as a 'historic moment,' with economic negotiator Kirill Dmitriev calling it a significant step in U.S.-Russia economic dialogue. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the deal could lead to more sanctions relief for Moscow, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine.