Trump suspends new Russia sanctions, sparking criticism from Ukraine and US lawmakers

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday, October 16, 2026, that suspended the implementation of a comprehensive sanctions and tariff regime aimed at curbing Russia's revenue from oil and gas. The measures, part of the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, were scheduled to take effect within days of the law’s passage in September. The executive order states that the waiver is in the national interest of the United States and will remain in force until the president or senior officials decide further action is required.

The legislation, which passed both chambers of Congress with large majorities, was designed to pressure Moscow by targeting Russian officials, banks and tankers involved in energy exports, and by imposing tariffs of up to 100 percent on the five largest importers of Russian crude or gas. Under the original text, any country that continued to purchase Russian oil or gas within 30 days of the law’s enactment would face penalties.

Moscow welcomed the decision, describing it as a historic step, according to France 24. The Russian government framed the waiver as evidence of a shift in US policy toward a more cooperative stance. By contrast, Ukrainian officials expressed alarm that the move undermines efforts to isolate Russia and could embolden its war effort. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has publicly criticised Trump’s approach, suggesting that the United States is moving away from supporting Kyiv.

Democratic lawmakers have also voiced strong opposition. Representative Don Beyer warned that the suspension could erode the intended impact of the sanctions and called on Congress to amend the law to prevent further perceived capitulation to President Vladimir Putin. Several senators and representatives indicated that they had anticipated the possibility of a presidential waiver and urged legislative safeguards.

The waiver follows a recent agreement announced by the White House in which the United States would purchase diesel from Russia in an effort to lower global fuel prices ahead of the mid‑term elections. Analysts noted that the timing of the waiver, just weeks before the elections, could have domestic political implications and might affect oil markets already strained by the US‑Israeli conflict in Iran.

International reactions have been mixed. China and India, both major buyers of Russian energy, have previously expressed concerns about the sanctions bill, with Beijing opposing what it calls “long‑arm jurisdiction” and New Delhi warning of possible impacts on bilateral ties.

The suspension remains in effect pending a further determination by the administration. Observers note that the decision adds a new dimension to the already complex relationship between the United States, Russia and Ukraine, and it is likely to be a focal point of diplomatic and parliamentary debate in the coming weeks.