US President Donald Trump will take up to 60 days to assess the economic effects of Russia sanctions and tariffs he waived on Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday.
Rubio explained that officials want to examine the consequences for both the American and global economies before deciding how to proceed.
However, Friday’s executive order sets no automatic expiry date for the waiver. It allows the measures to remain suspended until Trump or designated officials decide further action is appropriate.
Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 last month. Its provisions include tariffs on Russian goods and penalties targeting countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
Read: Russia Sanctions Waiver: Trump Cites US National Interest
Speaking before departing for Uzbekistan, Rubio pointed to India as an important US partner that still depends heavily on Russian oil. He argued that the assessment must account for effects beyond Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticised the waiver. He warned that it would embolden President Vladimir Putin of Russia and prolong the war.
Read: CIS Trade Barriers Must Go to Boost Growth, Putin Says
Republican Senator Darline Graham of South Carolina also disagreed with Trump’s decision. She favoured maintaining pressure on Moscow and planned to raise the issue with him during a campaign visit.
Read: Iran Rebukes Marco Rubio Speech on Xerxes and Ancient Persia
Separately, Rubio defended an agreement to increase Russian diesel supplies as the Iran war disrupts energy markets. He argued that Russia would sell the fuel regardless, while the agreement would give the United States a larger share.
Trump said Russia would initially supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel to the United States, with further shipments in November and beyond.
