Story perspectives

Trump Waives Sanctions, Tariffs on Russia Under Law

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 4:00 PM UTC · How we work

Left

Waiver fuels attacks

President Donald Trump signed an order Oct 16, 2026 waiving sanctions and tariffs against Russia under Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
Zelensky and other critics say the waiver will let Russia intensify attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, worsening hardship for Ukrainians.
Administration urged Ukraine to pause strikes on Russian oil facilities to lower diesel prices.
Zelensky reported Russian missiles damaged 15 Ukrainian power plants, leaving grid vulnerable before winter.

Right

Trump touts diesel aid

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday, October 16, 2026, waiving sanctions and tariffs against Russia under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
The waiver, Trump said, served U.S. interests by securing a Russian diesel-supply deal after a successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin.
Republican lawmakers urged Trump to cut diesel prices before the November 2026 midterm elections.

Blindspot

Critics, including President Zelensky, say the waiver will enable Russia to step up attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy grid, worsening hardship for ordinary Ukrainians as recent missile strikes have already damaged more than 15 power plants ahead of winter.
Within this story's sources, this humanitarian-impact angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Right-leaning coverage.

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Waiver fuels attacks

President Donald Trump signed an order Oct 16, 2026 waiving sanctions and tariffs against Russia under Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
Zelensky and other critics say the waiver will let Russia intensify attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, worsening hardship for Ukrainians.
Administration urged Ukraine to pause strikes on Russian oil facilities to lower diesel prices.
Zelensky reported Russian missiles damaged 15 Ukrainian power plants, leaving grid vulnerable before winter.

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