Trump Waives Russia-Related Sanctions as Ukraine Ties Strain
Sandego.net – President Donald Trump waives Russia related sanctions that were due to take effect within days, pausing a new effort to increase pressure on Moscow as relations between Washington and Kyiv worsen. The decision has unsettled Democratic lawmakers and raised fresh concerns among European partners about US policy on the war in Ukraine.
Trump issued the waiver through an executive order on Friday, delaying measures aimed at Russian fossil-fuel revenue. Those energy revenues remain important to the Kremlin’s ability to finance its invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
What the delayed sanctions would have done
The measures were included in the Graham Act, legislation signed by Trump last month and named for former Senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July. The law was intended to increase economic pressure on Russia by targeting countries that continue to buy large amounts of Russian oil and gas.
Under the law, the United States could impose tariffs of up to 100% on certain imports from the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or gas. The policy sought to make dependence on Russian energy more costly while reducing the funds available to Moscow’s war effort.
“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.”
Trump’s order did not provide a detailed national-security explanation for the waiver. It said the suspension would remain in place until the administration determines that further action is needed.
Lawmakers criticize Trump’s sanctions waiver
Democratic lawmakers condemned the decision after Trump waives Russia related sanctions, arguing that it weakens bipartisan congressional pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Senator Elizabeth Warren called the move an “abject and predictable failure in leadership,” citing what she described as strong bipartisan support for Ukraine.
“By waiving these sanctions, Trump is thumbing his nose at Congress’s direction that he ratchet up pressure on the Kremlin and enabling Vladimir Putin to continue his war of aggression.”
Representative Don Beyer of Virginia said the decision betrayed Ukrainian partners and ignored Congress’s intent to punish Russia for its invasion. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who helped write the bill, said the exemptions were not connected to US security interests.
“These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, and everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin.”
Oil prices and attacks on Russian energy facilities
The decision comes as the White House has pressed Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil infrastructure. Trump has focused on fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections and has linked higher prices to the Russia-Ukraine conflict while seeking to shift attention from his unpopular war in Iran.
Ukraine temporarily complied with the request to halt the strikes before resuming them. Russia, meanwhile, continued its campaign against Ukrainian energy sites, increasing pressure on electricity supplies and civilian infrastructure as colder weather approaches.
For Ukraine, strikes on refineries and related facilities are among the few available ways to hit assets directly connected to Russia’s military economy. US officials are concerned that disruption to Russian oil production and exports could push energy prices higher beyond the battlefield.
As Trump waives Russia related sanctions, the contrasting priorities highlight a widening divide: Kyiv is focused on weakening Russia’s ability to wage war, while Washington is weighing domestic political and economic consequences.
Growing tension between Trump and Zelensky
The waiver followed a difficult period in US-Ukraine relations. European leaders were unsettled after Trump reached an arrangement allowing Russian diesel exports, a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said made him feel betrayed and which drew criticism from both US political parties.
Trump and Zelensky have also faced growing disagreements over intelligence support, satellite communications and Ukraine’s ability to protect itself against Russian missile and drone attacks.
Zelensky said Ukraine received “no early warning from our partners” before a ballistic missile strike hit a major power plant in Kyiv and damaged a residential building. Trump has said the United States did not end intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Ukrainian authorities have also expressed concern about restrictions affecting the military-grade version of Elon Musk’s Starlink service, which disrupted drone operations.
FAQ: What the sanctions waiver means
What does it mean that Trump waives Russia related sanctions?
The action delays sanctions tied to Russian fossil-fuel revenue and postpones possible tariffs on imports from major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
Are the sanctions permanently cancelled?
No. The executive order says the measures are suspended until the administration decides whether additional action is warranted.
Why could the policy affect US consumers?
The administration is concerned that disruptions to Russian oil production or exports could contribute to higher fuel and energy prices.
Why does Ukraine oppose the delay?
Ukrainian officials and their supporters argue that stronger economic pressure on Russia is necessary to limit the resources available for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
