The short version
- President Trump issued an executive order waiving sanctions passed by Congress under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
- The move follows a controversial agreement to purchase diesel from Russia, which critics argue undermines Western pressure on Moscow and benefits the Kremlin financially.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern that the deal allows funds to return to Russia, while US senators urged the administration to enforce the new laws.
President Donald Trump has suspended the implementation of a comprehensive sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, citing national interest as the primary justification for the pause. The legislation, which passed both chambers of Congress with rare bipartisan support last month, was designed to accelerate economic pressure on Moscow by restricting financial resources fueling its war effort in Ukraine. Despite signing the bill into law, the president utilized executive authority to waive many of the restrictions, duties, and sanctions just days before they were scheduled to take effect.
The suspended measures, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, targeted specific Russian officials, banking institutions, and a shadow fleet of tankers responsible for maintaining energy exports. The law also mandated that the president impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas, with limited exceptions for nations significantly reducing their reliance on these resources. By choosing to waive these provisions rather than enforce them, the administration has effectively halted a key component of the United States’ strategy to isolate Russia economically.
This decision arrives amid heightened public friction between the White House and Kyiv. Trump has recently criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that Ukraine requires new leadership, while simultaneously announcing a deal to purchase substantial quantities of diesel from Russia. The president stated that the United States would acquire over 300,000 metric tons of diesel immediately, followed by additional shipments totaling millions of tons in the coming months. He framed this procurement as a necessary step to lower global energy prices.
The announcement regarding Russian diesel imports has sparked immediate backlash from across the political spectrum. A bipartisan group of twelve senators, including six Republicans, sent a letter urging Trump to rescind the deal and instead execute the sanctions authorities granted by the newly passed legislation. Lawmakers argued that purchasing fuel from Moscow contradicts years of Western pressure aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. The controversy has intensified as midterm elections approach, with political stakes tied closely to energy costs.
Ukrainian leadership has responded with alarm to the shifting US stance. Zelenskyy warned that the diesel agreement would result in cash flowing back into Russia, thereby supporting the very war machine the sanctions were intended to weaken. This concern was voiced during meetings with European leaders in Brussels, highlighting growing unease among allies about the consistency of American foreign policy. The president’s actions appear to prioritize domestic economic metrics over traditional alliance commitments.
Tensions have further escalated following reports that Trump blindsided Zelenskyy by announcing a mutual agreement between Ukraine and Russia to cease targeting each other’s energy facilities. This development came without prior consultation with Kyiv, adding to perceptions of diplomatic instability. Additionally, the administration has faced allegations of withholding intelligence regarding incoming Russian ballistic missile strikes and restricting the use of Starshield satellite internet for high-speed drones. While these claims have not been officially confirmed, they contribute to a climate of uncertainty surrounding US support for Ukraine.
The political ramifications extend beyond international relations into domestic electoral dynamics. Senator Darline Graham, who was appointed to serve out her brother’s term and is running for permanent re-election, has made the sanctions legislation a centerpiece of her campaign. Endorsed by Trump, she acknowledged during a recent debate that while she helped pass the measure, its implementation remains at the president’s discretion. She emphasized that the tools provided by Congress are intended to help end the war and reduce gas prices, leaving the method of execution to the executive branch.
As the administration navigates this complex landscape, the gap between legislative intent and executive action widens. The waiver of sanctions represents a significant departure from the bipartisan consensus achieved in Congress, raising questions about the future direction of US policy toward Russia and Ukraine. With midterm elections looming, the political calculus surrounding energy prices and foreign aid continues to shape decision-making, leaving allies and adversaries alike uncertain about the next moves from Washington.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Trump puts new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold amid deepening row with Ukraine
