Donald Trump has paused a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia’s economy, citing national interest, despite signing the bipartisan legislation last month. The measure, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, aimed to cut off financial resources fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine and impose up to 100% tariffs on top importers of Russian oil and gas.
Trump’s executive order waived many sanctions, restrictions, and duties on Russia, just days before implementation was set to begin. The move comes amid public criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a controversial diesel deal with Russia to lower global energy prices. Trump announced Russia would supply over 300,000 metric tons of diesel immediately, with additional shipments to follow, drawing bipartisan condemnation from senators who urged him to enforce the sanctions law.
Zelenskyy warned the deal would funnel cash back into Russia. Trump has also blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries for rising energy prices ahead of midterm elections and is suspected of limiting intelligence sharing with Ukraine and restricting Starshield satellite use on fast drones—claims not officially confirmed. Senator Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister and successor, defended the legislation in a recent debate, stating it gives the president tools to end the war through sanctions, but implementation remains his discretion.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing