WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump issued a Russia sanctions waiver on Friday, citing US national interest, ahead of Sunday’s deadline to enforce new penalties.
His executive order waives sanctions, restrictions and tariffs under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Trump signed the legislation last month to target Russia’s economy over its war in Ukraine.
Under the law, the president can waive measures after submitting a national-interest certification and an explanatory report to Congress. Trump confirmed that he had submitted those documents.
The exemptions cover duties on Russian goods and penalties targeting major buyers of Russian energy.
Separately, Trump announced a diesel agreement with Moscow last week. He said Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes to US and global markets to help lower fuel prices.
His administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel on October 9 to permit the exports
Read: Iran Changes Hormuz Ship Attacks to Sway US Vote: Officials
Rwever, a dozen senators urged Trump on Tuesday to scrap the agreement and implement the Graham Act sanctions. Republican signatories included Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins and John Cornyn.
They argued that the agreement would offer little relief for US fuel prices while generating revenue for Russia’s war in Ukraine. They warned that Moscow could use the proceeds to deepen security cooperation with China, Iran and North Korea.
Read: Iran Denies Any Role in Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, Friday’s order sets no expiry date for the waiver. It remains effective until Trump or designated senior officials determine that “further action is appropriate”.
