President Trump Waives New Sanctions Against Russia, Citing U.S. National Interests
Published: October 17th 2026.
WASHINGTON: - President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday, October 16th, waiving major new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia, just two days before the measures were scheduled to take effect.
The sanctions were part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which Trump signed into law in September. The bipartisan legislation was designed to increase economic pressure on Russia over its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The measures included additional sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions and energy-related activities, along with tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from major purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas.
In the executive order, Trump said the decision to waive the measures was in the national interests of the United States. The waivers will remain in effect until the president or designated administration officials determine that further action is appropriate.
The decision drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who argued that easing economic pressure on Moscow could encourage Russia to continue its military operations in Ukraine.
The move follows a separate agreement announced by Trump earlier this month involving Russian diesel supplies, which the administration has defended as an effort to reduce global energy prices.
The latest executive order does not eliminate all existing U.S. sanctions against Russia but prevents significant new restrictions from taking effect as originally scheduled.