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Trump Administration Reviews Request to Lift RDIF Sanctions

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is reviewing a request to lift sanctions on the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).
The review follows the Oct. 9 suspension of U.S. sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
Three diesel tankers left Russia in October, with the Agioi Fanendes departing Primorsk on Oct. 23.
Republican lawmakers argue that lifting the sanctions would give Putin economic benefits without any concessions.

History

In August 2014 the United States and European Union slapped Russia with its widest-ranging sanctions since the Soviet Union’s fall, listing 120 entities and freezing about $400 million after the annexation of Crimea. The measures triggered reciprocal Russian bans and a diplomatic rift that still frames today’s debate, where lawmakers such as Rep. Jim Jordan and Sen. Marco Rubio argue about lifting diesel export restrictions.

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In August 2014 the United States and European Union slapped Russia with its widest-ranging sanctions since the Soviet Union’s fall, listing 120 entities and freezing about $400 million after the annexation of Crimea. The measures triggered reciprocal Russian bans and a diplomatic rift that still frames today’s debate, where lawmakers such as Rep. Jim Jordan and Sen. Marco Rubio argue about lifting diesel export restrictions.

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