Trump waives Russia sanctions and tariffs ahead of implementation deadline

Washington, United States. President Donald Trump has waived major US tariffs and sanctions concerning Russia just days before their scheduled implementation under legislation he signed last month. The measures included duties covering Russian goods and penalties targeting purchases of Russian gas and oil.

Waiver issued before election

The White House published the executive order on Friday. Trump said he had sent Congress a certification stating that granting the waiver at this point served US national interests.

Under the order, the exemption will continue until Trump or senior members of his administration decide additional action is warranted.

Analysts said implementing the measures could have pushed oil prices higher, with Americans already facing rising costs attributed largely to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The decision comes weeks ahead of US midterm elections, as Trump’s Republican Party seeks to defend narrow majorities in each congressional chamber.

What the legislation required

Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in mid-September. Its leading congressional sponsor was the late Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator representing South Carolina.

The legislation sought to put greater pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022. It provided for tariffs reaching 100% within 30 days, covering every product imported into the United States from the five biggest buyers of Russian crude or gas.

Those duties would also have applied to goods from any country that knowingly purchased Russian gas or oil 30 days after enactment, or ranked among the five leading countries assisting Russia in circumventing sanctions.

Zelenskiy warns of consequences

Trump has adopted a warmer approach toward Moscow while openly criticising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, including suggesting that Ukraine needs different leadership.

Posting on X on Saturday, Zelenskiy said the waiver encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also reported that Russian attacks on Friday hit more than 15 sites used for Ukrainian electricity generation and transmission.

“A US sanctions blackout, easing pressure on the aggressor, financial rewards for Putin – all of this only encourages him to keep attacking. We must not give up ground,” Zelenskiy wrote.

“We must keep trying to end the war. To end it, not give Putin every reason to continue it indefinitely.”