US President Donald Trump has waived several sweeping sanctions, restrictions and duties on Russian goods just days before they were set to take effect, in the latest sign of the US leader moving closer to Russia.
The executive order, signed on Friday, October 16, puts on hold measures that Mr Trump had signed into law only last month. The move follows scathing attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week.
What the sanctions would have imposed
The legislation provided for additional tariffs of 500% on goods imported into the US from Russia, 100% on goods imported from the five biggest facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion, and 100% on goods imported from the five largest importers of Russian oil and natural gas if they knowingly make new purchases on or after October 18, 2026.
Friday's executive order said Mr Trump can waive the application of any sanctions provision subject to the submission of a written certification to Congress that such a waiver is in the national interests of America, along with a report explaining the basis for the certification.
Trump's justification for the waiver
Mr Trump said in the order: "I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act. 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."
Earlier this week, Mr Trump branded Mr Zelensky "not a good guy". The two leaders are in their worst rift in months after the US leader announced that Mr Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately "to the American and global marketplace", followed by several other shipments.
Diesel deal and Ukrainian reaction
Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter. Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel."
He added: "Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority. This is a very big and important announcement."
The Ukrainian leader said Mr Trump has handed Russia a "gift" and prolonged the war. He said on social media that the agreement "plays into Russia's hands - allowing it to kill more, wage war for longer, have even less respect for America, and inflict even greater losses and damage on the world."
