Trump Waives New Russia Sanctions Days Before Implementation

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on October 16, 2026, waiving many restrictions from the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, just two days before the bipartisan sanctions package was set to take effect[2][15]. This decision immediately follows a controversial agreement for Russia to supply global markets with over 300,000 tons of diesel[9][14].

This move by the U.S. president challenges international efforts to impose economic pressure on Russia during its ongoing war against Ukraine. It draws swift condemnation from Ukrainian leadership and bipartisan criticism in Washington, signaling a shift in U.S. policy towards Moscow that could impact global energy markets and the conflict in Eastern Europe.

What the records show

On October 16, 2026, President Trump issued an executive order that temporarily suspended many provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026[2][9]. The order cited "national interests" and "security concerns" as the basis for the waiver[2][15]. This action came just two days before the sanctions were scheduled to begin on October 18, 2026[15]. The Graham Act, which President Trump had signed into law a month prior, was designed to apply economic pressure on Russia by limiting the financial resources funding its war in Ukraine[9][15]. The legislation authorized tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, and included provisions for sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions, and its tanker fleet[15][19]. Congress had included a provision, Section 115, allowing for a national interest waiver, which leaves the overall Act in force while suspending the specific provisions covered by Trump's order[7]. Existing sanctions against Russia from prior executive orders remain in place[7].

The timeline

The events leading to the waiver unfolded rapidly in October 2026. On October 9, President Trump announced that Russia would "immediately" supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel to global markets, with larger quantities to follow[9][14][18]. He attributed this deal to the need to reduce rising global energy prices, particularly for diesel[9][14]. Two days later, on October 11, Trump claimed an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied this, stating it was "news to me"[14]. On October 16, President Trump signed the executive order to waive the new sanctions[2][9].

What changed and for whom

President Trump's waiver significantly altered the immediate future of U.S. economic pressure on Russia. The sanctions, intended to choke off funding for Russia's war effort, will not take effect as planned[15]. This decision was criticized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who called it a "reward" for Russian President Vladimir Putin and warned it would "intensify the Kremlin's war"[4]. Zelenskyy also expressed concern that the "Diesel Deal" could be "the first step" toward lifting more sanctions, including potential "gas deals"[13][20]. European leaders, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, voiced deep concern, with Kallas stating that "putting more pressure on Russia" is the only way to end the war[11][10]. Domestically, the waiver generated "bipartisan backlash" from both Republicans and Democrats in the U.S., who condemned the move for undermining support for Ukraine[5].

What the subject has said publicly

President Trump has publicly stated his rationale for these actions. He linked the waiver and the diesel deal to the need to lower "soaring global energy prices"[9][14]. He also blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for global diesel shortages and suggested Ukraine needed a "new leader"[14]. The Trump administration is also reportedly presenting these actions as part of a potential peace deal with Ukraine[1].

What we could not confirm

• The exact "national security concerns" cited by President Trump for waiving the sanctions[2].
• Whether the Trump administration has concrete plans for a peace deal with Ukraine beyond pitching the idea[1].
• The specific long-term impact on global energy prices or the war in Ukraine from the diesel deal and sanctions waiver.