Trump waives Russia sanctions provisions, drawing Ukrainian and US criticism
In short
Donald Trump announced on October 16 that he would waive sanctions and tariffs under a Russia-Iran sanctions law he signed in September. Ukraine criticised the decision, Russia welcomed it, and US lawmakers also voiced objections.
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US President Donald Trump announced on October 16 that he would waive sanctions, restrictions and tariffs under the Lindsey O. Graham Russia-Iran sanctions law, which he signed on September 18. He said the waiver served US national interests. The decision drew criticism from Ukraine and US lawmakers, while a Russian presidential envoy welcomed it. [ 1 , 5 , 8 , 10 ]
The law included tariffs of up to 100% on all goods entering the United States from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. It also provided for sanctions on Russian institutions and tariffs of 500% on some Russian goods, including energy products imported into the United States. Reports said the provisions were due to take effect 30 days after the law was signed. [ 1 , 2 ]
Korean outlets linked the waiver to efforts to reduce fuel prices ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections. Trump had announced on October 9 a plan to cooperate with Vladimir Putin on supplying Russian diesel to the United States and international markets. Dong-A Ilbo reported his announced volumes as more than 300,000 tonnes immediately, another 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes shortly afterwards. [ 1 , 5 ]
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev described the waiver as a historic moment and argued that economic cooperation would benefit both countries and global stability. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said easing pressure would encourage Russian attacks. He cited attacks on more than 15 Ukrainian power-generation and transmission facilities and urged continued pressure on Russia. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal also criticised the waiver, while Yonhap reported objections from Republicans. [ 5 , 8 , 10 ]
Seoul Shinmun reported that Trump had submitted certification to Congress that the waiver was in the national interest, but had not explained the specific reasons or supporting grounds. The newspaper said the law allowed the administration to determine sanctions targets or notify Congress that new restrictions would not serve US interests by October 18. [ 13 ]
Why it matters
The provisions included tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas. The coverage links the waiver to efforts to lower energy prices before the November 3 US midterm elections and to a plan to increase Russian diesel supplies.
Key facts
- Trump invoked a waiver under the Lindsey O. Graham Russia-Iran sanctions law on October 16. [ 1 , 2 ]
- He said the waiver served US national interests. [ 1 , 13 ]
- The law included tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas. [ 1 , 13 ]
- Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the waiver; Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed it. [ 8 , 13 , 14 ]
- US lawmakers, including Republicans, criticised the decision. [ 10 , 13 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The detailed justification for the national-interest waiver. Seoul Shinmun reported that Trump did not explain specific reasons or the grounds submitted to Congress.