US President Donald Trump has suspended the implementation of a sweeping package of sanctions against Russia that he signed into law last month, saying the decision was in the national interest.
Trump signed an executive order on Friday, October 16, 2026, just two days before the sanctions were due to take effect, according to Al Jazeera.
The bipartisan legislation, passed by large margins in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, was designed to cut Moscow’s revenue for its war in Ukraine by targeting Russian officials, banks and tankers transporting Russian energy.
The law also authorised tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five largest importers of Russian oil or gas, subject to specified exemptions for countries taking steps to reduce their reliance on Russian natural gas.
Trump’s decision has attracted criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who argue that suspending the sanctions could undermine efforts to restrict Russia’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
Democratic Representative Don Beyer said he and other lawmakers had anticipated the possibility of Trump suspending the measures.
“We warned that Trump might take such action,” Beyer said, referring to the US president’s deal with Moscow.
Beyer urged Congress to take action to ensure the legislation achieves its intended purpose.
He called on lawmakers to “fix this flawed law to stop Trump from capitulating to Putin and ensure that it truly supports Ukraine”.
The suspension came a week after Trump announced an agreement for the United States to purchase diesel from Russia in an effort to lower global fuel prices.
The agreement also drew criticism from Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who argued that the deal could provide financial support for Russia’s war effort without necessarily reducing fuel prices.
The sanctions package was intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow through restrictions on Russian officials, financial institutions and vessels involved in transporting its energy exports.
The development comes amid increasing tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Trump has recently criticised Zelenskyy for failing to reach an agreement with Moscow, while European leaders continue to discuss additional financial support for Kyiv.
The suspension also comes ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, in which Republicans are seeking to retain control of Congress.
An AP-NORC poll released on October 1 found that Americans disapproved of Trump’s handling of the Iran war and blamed him for rising prices, among other domestic issues.
The latest decision is expected to fuel further debate in Washington over the administration’s approach to Russia, economic sanctions and continued support for Ukraine.
Trump’s suspension of new Russia sanctions draws criticism over Putin ties