Trump Waives New Russia Sanctions Days Before Implementation

President Donald Trump waived most new sanctions against Russia on October 16, 2026, just two days before they were scheduled to take effect, effectively blocking tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods and other economic pressures[10][14][17]. This action suspends measures designed to increase economic pressure on Russia's war efforts in Ukraine[18].

This decision significantly alters the U.S. approach to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, potentially weakening economic leverage Congress had intended and raising concerns among Ukrainian officials about diminishing U.S. support[1][2][12].

What the records show

On October 16, 2026, President Trump issued an executive order waiving the majority of Russia-related sanctions and tariffs mandated by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, referred to as the "Graham Act"[10][14]. The waived measures included tariffs of up to 500% on goods imported from Russia[11][17]. The Act also provided for tariffs of up to 100% on goods from certain countries that significantly purchase Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas or facilitate Russian oil sanctions evasion[7][17]. The legislation sought to impose new restrictions on Russian financial institutions, investment, and sovereign debt[20]. The executive order did not lift existing sanctions already in place against Russia but specifically suspended the new measures introduced by the Graham Act[17]. The waiver does not have a set expiration date, remaining in effect until the President or Secretary of State determines further action is necessary[20].

Timeline

President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on September 18, 2026[8][9][10]. The Act was designed to increase economic pressure on Russia due to its ongoing war in Ukraine[18]. Many provisions of the Act were set to become effective or require presidential or agency action within 30 days after enactment, specifically by October 18, 2026[21]. On October 16, 2026, President Trump issued the executive order waiving most of the new sanctions, two days before their scheduled implementation[10][14].

What changed and for whom

The waiver means Russia will not face the significant new tariffs and financial restrictions outlined in the Graham Act, at least for the duration of the waiver[17]. This reduces the intended economic pressure on Russia's war efforts in Ukraine[18]. Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns that the U.S. is withdrawing its support for Ukraine, with one report stating they believe Trump is prioritizing Russia's interests[1][2]. The waiver's indefinite nature leaves the new sanctions suspended without a clear end date unless a future determination is made[20].

What the subject has said publicly

President Trump stated to Congress that pausing the legislation was "in the national interest"[15]. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg and reportedly praised Putin "in unusually glowing terms"[4][5]. During this meeting, Putin ordered the release of an American man from a Russian jail[4][5][6]. The Kremlin stated Putin agreed "in principle" to resume U.S.-mediated talks with Ukraine[6].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific details or justification provided by President Trump for the waiver beyond the general statement that it was in the "national interest"[15]. We also could not confirm the precise scope or nature of bipartisan backlash beyond general statements from members of Congress[12][16][19].