Trump waives most Russia sanctions: Reuters

• The measures included 500% tariffs on Russian goods and 100% duties on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
• The decision comes amid a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin involving Russian diesel supplies.

US President Donald Trump has waived key sanctions and tariff provisions targeting Russia under legislation he signed last month, suspending measures intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war against Ukraine, according to reporting from Reuters.

The executive order, issued Friday, October 16, suspends several provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Trump told Congress the decision was in the “national interests of the United States,” according to the White House order. 

The legislation authorized tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods entering the United States and 100% tariffs on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas under specified conditions. It also included sanctions targeting Russian officials, financial institutions and other entities linked to the Russian government. 

Trump signed the law on Sep. 18, but his latest order waives major provisions before the new tariffs on leading buyers of Russian energy were due to take effect on Oct. 18. The exemptions will remain in place until Trump or designated senior officials determine that further action is appropriate. 

The move comes after Trump reached a deal with Putin involving Russian diesel supplies, with the administration seeking to ease pressure on energy prices. The arrangement has drawn criticism from lawmakers who argue that easing restrictions on Russian energy exports could help Moscow finance its continuing war against Ukraine.

The waiver marks a reversal in the implementation of legislation designed to increase pressure on Russia and countries continuing to purchase its energy. Although the law gave the president authority to waive its provisions by certifying that doing so served US national interests, the decision has renewed questions over Washington's approach to Moscow and its support for Ukraine. 

Read more: Trump says Russia, Ukraine agreed to energy ceasefire, Zelensky says it’s “news to him”