Trump's Russia sanctions waiver draws bipartisan criticism and Ukrainian objections
In short
President Donald Trump waived major Russia-related sanctions and tariffs in an executive order, invoking US national interests. The move drew criticism from Republicans and Democrats and objections from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while a Russian envoy welcomed it.
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President Donald Trump's decision to waive major Russia-related sanctions and tariffs drew criticism across party lines in Congress and objections from Ukraine, while a Russian envoy welcomed it. Trump invoked US national interests in an executive order pausing measures under legislation he had signed the previous month. The order was issued on Friday, before the new restrictions were due to take effect, US outlets reported. [ 6 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 14 , 35 ]
CBS News reported that the waived measures included 100% tariffs on the world's five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, which had been due to begin on Sunday, and 500% tariffs on Russian goods. Other sanctions were also halted. The law, named after Lindsey Graham, was intended to pressure Russia over its war against Ukraine by targeting its revenue streams. CBS said the waivers would remain until administration officials determined further action was appropriate. [ 10 , 12 ]
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump wanted 60 days to analyse the measures' impact on the US and global economies given pressure on energy supplies, NBC News reported. Trump described his decision as good for the United States and the world. The pause followed his announcement the previous week of an agreement involving Russian diesel supplies aimed at reducing energy prices. [ 12 ]
Zelenskyy said easing pressure on Russia would encourage further attacks and urged support for the sanctions. CBS and The Guardian reported that Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev praised the suspension. In Washington, The Hill reported that Republican Senator Thom Tillis called the move irresponsible. Axios described criticism from Republicans and Democrats, while Bloomberg reported that Republican lawmakers argued the waiver would help Moscow wage its war against Ukraine. [ 10 , 14 , 23 , 35 , 37 ]
Why it matters
The measures were intended to restrict revenue supporting Russia's war against Ukraine and targeted major buyers of Russian energy. The waiver follows Trump's announcement of a Russian diesel deal as his administration seeks to ease fuel prices.
Key facts
- Trump waived portions of a Russia sanctions law he signed the previous month. [ 6 , 10 , 12 , 14 ]
- CBS reported that waived tariffs included 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas and 500% on Russian goods. [ 10 ]
- Lawmakers from both parties criticised the waiver. [ 8 , 29 , 32 , 35 ]
- Zelenskyy opposed the decision, while Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed it. [ 10 , 12 , 14 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The timing of any renewed application of the waived measures is unsettled. CBS reported waivers would last until officials determine further action is appropriate; NBC reported Rubio described a 60-day impact assessment.