Full Breakdown
Trump Waives New Russia Sanctions Days Before They Take Effect
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 16, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving the sanctions and tariffs against Russia that were to become effective under the *Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026*. The order states: “I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” and notes that Trump submitted a certification to Congress that the waiver serves U.S. national interests. The waivers remain in effect until the president or designated officials determine that “further action is appropriate.”
Background & Context
The Graham Act, named for Sen. Lindsey Graham, passed in September 2026 with an 86-11 Senate vote. It was intended to pressure Russia’s war in Ukraine by sanctioning officials, banks, the “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, and by imposing steep duties on countries that continue buying Russian energy. A week earlier, Trump announced a diesel-purchase agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin that would deliver 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, 500,000 tons in November, and 1 million tons thereafter.
Timeline
- September 18, 2026 – Trump signs the Graham Act into law.
- October 9, 2026 – Trump announces the diesel purchase deal.
- October 16, 2026 – Executive order waiving the sanctions and tariffs is signed.
- October 17, 2026 – Media report the waiver; the original sanctions were to take effect on October 18.
Official Statements & Responses
The White House released the order without explaining the national-interest rationale. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the decision “unfortunate,” warning that it “rewards” President Vladimir Putin.
Criticism & Opposition
- Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) called the move “a surrender to Putin” that betrays Ukrainian partners.
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) labeled the waiver “beyond irresponsible,” questioning how the administration could ignore a law passed 86-11.
- Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) praised the waiver, arguing the law was “stupid” and that the president was using authority granted by Congress.
Data & Statistics
- Graham Act provisions: 500 % duty on all Russian goods; 100 % duty on imports from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil or gas.
Why It Matters / Impact
- The waiver removes the economic pressure Congress intended to place on Moscow, potentially allowing additional revenue to fund Russia’s war effort.
- By suspending the tariffs, the United States shields major Russian energy customers from steep trade penalties, a factor that could influence global oil markets ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
- The decision has strained U.S.–Ukraine relations; Kyiv warns that reduced sanctions “encourage” further Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, and everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin,” — Richard Blumenthal, senator
- “Trump’s latest surrender to Putin again betrays our Ukrainian partners,” — Rep. Don Beyer
- “What part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate does the President and his advisors not understand?” — Sen. Thom Tillis
- “At a time when the Russians have carried out such a massive attack on our energy sector, a decision was unfortunately made in America to completely disregard the Lindsey Graham Act,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- “The Trump administration’s suspension of the Graham Act is an important and truly historic moment,” — Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy for President Putin
What's Next
The waiver stays in effect until the president or the secretary of state, in consultation with the treasury and trade representatives, decides that “further action is appropriate.” No date for reinstating the sanctions has been announced, leaving the future of the Graham Act’s provisions uncertain.
