Full Breakdown
Trump Issues Waiver on New Russia Sanctions Ahead of Midterm Elections
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Executive Waiver of New Russia Sanctions
President Donald Trump signed an executive order that waives the sanctions and tariffs contained in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The waiver takes effect immediately and will remain in force until the president or senior officials determine that “further action is appropriate.” The order suspends duties on Russian goods and penalties for purchasing Russian oil and gas that were slated to begin within 30 days of the law’s enactment.
Legislative Background and Intended Pressure
The Graham Act, named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was enacted in September 2026 to increase economic pressure on the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022. The legislation targeted Russian government and military officials, major banks, vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet, and imposed tariffs of up to 100 % on imports from the five largest foreign purchasers of Russian crude oil or gas. It also threatened duties on any country that knowingly bought Russian oil or gas within 30 days of the law’s start.
Waiver Details and Parallel Diesel Agreement
In a Truth Social post, Trump announced a separate diesel-supply arrangement with President Vladimir Putin: Russia will deliver over 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, 500,000 tons in November, 1,000,000 tons thereafter, and eventually 3,000,000 tons once refinery conditions are met. The executive order cites the national interest of the United States as the basis for the waiver.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States,” — Mr Trump, US president
- “Trump's latest surrender to Putin again betrays our Ukrainian partners and defies clear congressional intent of legislation designed to punish Russia for its illegal war of aggression,” — Mr Beyer
Criticism and Opposition
Several U.S. senators, including some Republicans, have also criticized the diesel deal, arguing that lifting sanctions could fund Russia’s war effort. Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev described the waiver as “a truly historic moment,” suggesting it could have halted all economic cooperation between Russia and the United States.