US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday, Oct. 16, suspending sweeping sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia just two days before they were due to take effect, citing US national interests despite growing concerns that easing economic pressure on Moscow could help finance its war against Ukraine.
The executive order published by the White House waives major provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which Trump signed into law on Sept. 18.
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The suspended measures include additional 500% tariffs on Russian imports and 100% duties targeting the five largest buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, as well as countries facilitating Moscow’s sanctions evasion.
The restrictions were scheduled to take effect Sunday, Oct. 18, under legislation designed to cut the energy revenues sustaining Russia’s invasion.
“As described further in section 4 of this order, I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” Trump wrote.
The decision follows his controversial diesel agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which eased restrictions on Russian fuel exports amid rising global energy prices.
It also comes as relations between Washington and Kyiv have deteriorated, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warning that allowing Russia to earn more from energy sales could strengthen Putin’s ability to continue the war.
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Trump suspends 500% tariffs and penalties on Russian oil buyers
Under the Graham Act, Congress authorized extensive economic measures against Russia’s energy and defense industries, financial institutions, senior officials and networks helping Moscow circumvent Western sanctions.
The legislation also provided for steep tariffs against countries continuing to purchase Russian energy, extending the financial consequences of Moscow’s invasion to its major trading partners.
Trump’s order sets out three major tariff categories:
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An additional 500% duty on goods imported from Russia.
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A 100% duty on imports from the five largest buyers making new purchases of Russian oil or natural gas beginning Oct. 18.
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A 100% duty on goods from the five leading countries facilitating Russian oil sanctions evasion.
However, the order simultaneously waives those duties, preventing their immediate application.
The decision shields major Russian energy customers, potentially including China and India, from new US trade penalties as long as the waiver remains in effect.
The measures also targeted Russia’s so-called shadow fleet – tankers used to transport Russian oil despite Western efforts to restrict Moscow’s energy exports.
Trump’s order suspends specified new sanctions provisions but does not remove restrictions already imposed under separate executive authorities.
Trump invokes national interest exemption
The president relied on Section 115 of the Graham Act, which allows sanctions, restrictions and tariffs to be waived if the administration certifies that doing so serves US national interests.
“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,” Trump stated.
The legislation also requires a report explaining the basis for that determination.
The executive order confirms that the certification and accompanying report were submitted to Congress, but does not publicly provide a detailed explanation of why suspending the additional penalties would serve US interests.
The waivers will remain in effect until Trump or designated administration officials determine that further action is appropriate.
The order directs the US Trade Representative, working with the State, Treasury and Energy departments, to continue monitoring Russian energy purchases and sanctions evasion.
Although the administration retains authority to reconsider the waivers, no timetable for restoring the measures was announced.
Bipartisan backlash over sanctions relief
Trump’s decision follows mounting criticism from lawmakers in both parties over the administration’s earlier agreement to ease restrictions on Russian diesel.
In a bipartisan letter to the administration, senators warned that allowing Russian energy exports could provide Moscow with additional revenue to finance military operations against Ukraine.
The criticism has extended beyond Democrats to Republicans who supported stronger economic pressure on Putin.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has questioned the administration’s approach to the Russia diesel agreement and its implications for legislation championed by the late Lindsey Graham.
Democratic lawmakers have also challenged Trump’s decision to suspend sanctions Congress approved.
Representative Don Beyer accused the president of yielding to Putin, while Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the administration for undermining congressional efforts to pressure Russia.
The dispute raises broader questions about the effectiveness of sanctions legislation when its implementation depends on presidential discretion.
Although the Graham Act remains law, its national interest waiver gives the administration substantial authority to prevent the new restrictions from taking effect.
Diesel deal with Putin precedes broader sanctions reversal
The decision comes one week after Trump agreed to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports in exchange for additional fuel supplies intended to ease pressure on international energy markets.
The agreement was presented by Washington as a response to rising fuel prices, which have been affected by the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran and disruptions to global energy supplies.
Under the arrangement, Russia agreed to release hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel into international markets.
The White House has defended the cooperation as necessary to stabilize prices for American consumers and businesses.
However, critics argue that increasing Russian energy sales could replenish Moscow’s revenues at a time when Western sanctions are intended to limit its ability to sustain the invasion of Ukraine.
Kyiv condemns sanctions relief as Russia continues attacks
President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized Washington’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian energy, warning that additional revenues could strengthen Moscow’s ability to finance its invasion.
He called the diesel arrangement a “weak decision” and insisted that Russia should face increased economic pressure rather than concessions.
The dispute has coincided with Trump’s criticism of Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil refineries.
Trump described Kyiv’s renewed attacks as a “disgrace,” arguing that they were contributing to higher global energy prices.
Zelensky has defended Ukraine’s efforts to weaken Russian oil infrastructure, which generates revenue supporting Moscow’s military operations.
Ukraine has also accused Russia of continuing to target Ukrainian energy facilities despite discussions about a possible mutual halt to attacks on energy infrastructure.
During Friday’s EU summit in Brussels, European Council President António Costa rejected the idea of easing pressure on Moscow.
“This is no time to withdraw the support to Ukraine. This is no time to relieve Russia’s sanctions,” Costa said.
“Now it is time to increase our support, to increase our pressure.”