# Trump Halts Russia Sanctions, Sparking European Criticism and Ukrainian Alarm

> U.S. President Donald Trump waived new sanctions and tariffs against Russia, drawing sharp criticism from European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-17T20:52:08.948688Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/trump-halts-russia-sanctions-sparking-european-criticism-and-ukrainian-alarm-0b4604bb

On October 16, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to waive new sanctions and tariffs against Russia, a decision Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called a "sanctions blackout" that risks intensifying the war [8][12][14][15]. European leaders expressed regret over the move and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine [7][12]. This action by the U.S. President lessens economic pressure on Russia while Ukraine faces severe attacks on its energy infrastructure, potentially prolonging the conflict and straining alliances vital for Kyiv's defense [1][8][11][12].

## What the records show

On October 16, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to waive substantial additional sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia [8][13][14]. These measures were part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act [8][13][14]. The waived sanctions included proposed 500% tariffs on Russian imports and 100% duties on goods from countries that purchase Russian oil and gas [13][14][17]. The order also suspended new restrictions on Russian financial institutions, investments, and energy transactions [13]. The White House stated that this waiver was in the "national interests of the United States" [8][14]. European leaders reacted to the U.S. decision. European Council President António Costa stated, "Now it is time to increase our support, to increase our pressure" [12]. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten described the situation in Ukraine as "truly dire," emphasizing that Europe must demonstrate unconditional support for Kyiv [12]. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto publicly criticized Trump, stating he was "'completely wrong' to restrict support for Ukraine" and warned that such actions risk prolonging the war [5]. The New York Times reported that the decision could threaten "operational help that Ukraine still gets from the United States" [4].

## Timeline

On October 11, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an "energy ceasefire" between Kyiv and Moscow [9]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on October 12, 2026, that neither side had agreed to such a ceasefire, expressing surprise at Trump's announcement, which occurred while Russian drones attacked Kyiv [9]. Russia then launched a "targeted attack" on a Kharkiv power station [9]. By October 15, 2026, Ukraine had lifted its restrictions on striking Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure, following a three-day pause requested by Washington [10]. Zelenskyy cited continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, concerns regarding U.S. intelligence sharing, and deteriorating Starlink performance as reasons for resuming strikes [10]. The executive order waiving sanctions was signed by President Trump on October 16, 2026 [8][13][14]. European Council leaders, meeting in Brussels, expressed their regret over the U.S. decision [7]. On October 17, 2026, Zelenskyy described Trump's action as a "sanctions blackout" and reported that Russia had carried out one of its largest attacks on Ukraine's energy sector the previous day, targeting more than 15 facilities across the country [8][11].

## What changed and for whom

Russia stands to benefit from the U.S. sanctions waiver, potentially gaining additional revenue to finance its military operations against Ukraine [3][14]. For Ukraine, the decision intensifies the ongoing conflict and raises concerns about the reliability of operational support from the United States, further straining relations between Washington and Kyiv [4][12]. The United States' foreign policy towards Russia and Ukraine has seen a significant shift, prompting criticism from both European allies and some domestic lawmakers [12][14][15]. European nations have voiced strong disapproval of the U.S. decision, reaffirming their commitment to supporting Ukraine [7][12].

## What the subject has said publicly

U.S. President Donald Trump, through the White House, asserted that the decision to waive sanctions was in the "national interests of the United States" [8][14]. He had previously announced an "energy ceasefire" on October 11, 2026 [9]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly called the sanctions waiver a "sanctions blackout" and a "reward" for Russian President Vladimir Putin [1][8]. Zelenskyy emphasized that sustained pressure is required to halt Russian aggression and warned that the U.S. decision encourages Putin to continue the war [8]. He also stated his surprise regarding Trump's "energy ceasefire" announcement [9].

## What we could not confirm

PrimaryBrief could not confirm the specific details of the report sent to Congress outlining why the sanctions waiver serves U.S. interests [14]. The full scope of the agreement between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the release of Russian diesel fuel into the global market also remains unconfirmed [14].

## Evidence cited
1. Zelenskyy says Trump’s lifting of sanctions on Russia will intensify war in Ukraine (www.theguardian.com) — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/17/volodymyr-zelenskyy-donald-trump-lift-sanctions-russia-intensify-war-ukraine
2. Trump waives several Russia sanctions as row with Zelensky intensifies (www.bbc.co.uk) — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxr5yvzv7rp0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
3. Trump eases Russia oil sanctions, but is Europe still buying Moscow’s gas? (www.aljazeera.com) — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/17/trump-eases-russia-oil-sanctions-but-is-europe-still-buying-moscows-gas?traffic_source=rss
4. The Rupturing Trump-Zelensky Relationship Stands to Hurt Ukraine and Its European Allies (www.nytimes.com) — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/16/world/europe/trump-zelensky-ukraine-war.html
5. Trump 'completely wrong' to restrict support for Ukraine, Italian minister tells BBC (www.bbc.co.uk) — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c64g18ljjd8do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
6. (October 17 2026) Trump waives sanctions on Russia despite backlash (tvpworld.com) — https://tvpworld.com/
7. (October 16 2026) EU leaders regret US decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel (aa.com.tr) — https://aa.com.tr/
8. (October 17 2026) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the lifting of sanctions against Russia under the so-called Graham Act, signed by US President Donald Trump, as a "sanctions blackout". However, he believes the legislation could still put pressure on Russia. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda. Details: The president said that Russia had carried out one of its largest attacks on Ukraine's energy sector the previous day. More than 15 key electricity genera (pravda.com.ua) — https://pravda.com.ua/
9. Zelenskyy vows to retaliate if Russian strikes on Ukraine's power grid continue (www.theguardian.com) — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/12/zelenskyy-vows-to-retaliate-if-russian-strikes-on-ukraines-power-grid-continue
10. (October 15 2026) Ukraine has lifted restrictions on strikes against Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure after observing a three-day pause requested by Washington, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the Financial Times on October 15. “The ban has been lifted. We've had enough,” Zelenskyy said. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field. DONATE NOW. According to the Ukrainian President, Kyiv refrained from attacking Russian energy facilities  (united24media.com) — https://united24media.com/
11. Zelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia after Trump puts them on hold (www.washingtonpost.com) — https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/10/17/ukraine-russia-war-zelensky-trump-sanctions/
12. (October 17 2026) Trump eases Russia oil sanctions, further straining relations with Ukraine (thejournal.ie) — https://thejournal.ie/
13. Trump’s Russia Sanctions Waiver: Assessing its Impact on the Graham Act (diplomacyandlaw.com) — https://diplomacyandlaw.com/2026/10/17/trumps-russia-sanctions-waiver-assessing-its-impact-on-the-graham-act/
14. Trump Waives New Sanctions Against Russia (iheart.com) — https://iheart.com/content/2026-10-16-trump-waives-new-sanctions-against-russia/
15. (October 17 2026) Trump puts sweeping new Russian sanctions package on hold (wsls.com) — https://wsls.com/
16. Trump Waives Russia Sanctions Amid Ukraine War – The Moscow Times (themoscowtimes.com) — https://themoscowtimes.com/2026/10/17/trump-waives-russia-sanctions-amid-ukraine-war-a93175
17. Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 - Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsey_O._Graham_Sanctioning_Russia_and_Iran_Act_of_2026
18. Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 Expands US Sanctions and Tariffs Against Russia (morganlewis.com) — https://morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/09/lindsey-o-graham-sanctioning-russia-and-iran-act-of-2026-expands-us-sanctions-and-tariffs-against-russia
19. Executive Order on Waiving Certain Sanctions Under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 | The White House (whitehouse.gov) — https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2026/10/16/executive-order-on-waiving-certain-sanctions-under-the-lindsey-o-graham-sanctioning-russia-and-iran-act-of-2026/
20. Zelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia after Trump puts them on hold (krem.com) — https://krem.com/article/news/nation-world/zelenskyy-russia-sanctions-trump-ukraine-energy-attacks/273-100c8227-d7cf-4357-9d7a-d04b68078516
21. Russia sanctions on hold: Zelenskyy sends message to Trump (www.thenews.com.pk) — https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1120005-russia-sanctions-on-hold-zelenskyy-sends-message-to-trump
22. Trump's diesel deal with Russia risks paving way for further sanctions relief, Zelensky says (kyivindependent.com) — https://kyivindependent.com/trump-diesel-deal-zelensky-diesel-deal-october-16/
23. Zelenskiy Urges Trump To Enact Sanctions Against Russia Amid Deadly Attacks (rferl.org) — https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-trump-sanctions-russia-energy-attacks/32612711.html
24. (October 17 2026) Trump waives sanctions on Russia despite backlash (euronext.com) — https://euronext.com/
25. Trump's Russia Sanctions Waiver: What It Is, Why It Matters (newsweek.com) — https://newsweek.com/trump-russia-sanctions-waiver-diesel-oil-graham-act-2179836
26. Donald Trump Waives Sanctions Against Russia - Defence24.com (defence24.com) — https://defence24.com/defence/donald-trump-waives-sanctions-against-russia
27. (October 17 2026) Zelenskiy backs sanctions on Russia after Trump pause. Economic Sanction Europe Unrest, Conflicts and War. Volodymyr Zelenskiy described as unfortunate Donald Trump's move to put US sanctions on hold. (AP PHOTO). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged supporters to speak out in defence of new US sanctions against Russia, hours after President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing a sweeping package of restrictions targeting the Russian economy. The White Hou (aap.com.au) — https://aap.com.au/
28. (October 17 2026) Zelensky says Trump waiving sanctions 'rewards' Putin, warns Moscow wants 'blackout' in Ukraine (arabnews.com) — https://arabnews.com/
29. (October 17 2026) Zelensky Calls Sanctions Blackout in Response to Donald Trump's Fateful Decision. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday called US President Donald Trump's suspension of a comprehensive package of sanctions targeting the Russian economy a "sanctions blackout." However, he believes that the Graham Act can continue to put pressure on Russia. 16 minutes ago ·Budapest, Hungary. Read Full Article · CBC News ... Durango Herald broke the news 9 hours ago on Friday, Octobe (ground.news) — https://ground.news/
30. (October 17 2026) Trump's sanctions waiver a boost for Putin: Zelenskyy (dw.com) — https://dw.com/