Deals & regulation
Trump waives new Russia sanctions and tariffs, drawing bipartisan and Ukrainian backlash
President Donald Trump waived sanctions, restrictions and tariffs required by the Graham Act just before they were due to take effect. The order clears the way for Russian diesel imports and removes measures targeting Russian officials, banks, oil buyers and sanctions evasion. The administration says the waiver supports peace negotiations, while senators from both parties and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argue it weakens pressure on Moscow. Existing sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders remain in force, but the waiver also gives the administration broader room to alter the new regime.
Editorial summary · Publisher article
What matters
- The waiver covers tariffs on Russian goods, penalties on major buyers of Russian energy and sanctions on banks and intermediaries.
- The decision followed authorization for Russian diesel imports through April and came despite objections from several Republican senators.
- Zelenskyy said the move encourages Russia to continue the war, while the White House said sanctions could impede negotiations.
Context & caveats
- The article reports political reactions but does not establish whether the waiver will change Russian behavior or the course of negotiations.
Why this made the edition
Well-supported reporting explains the waiver’s scope, timing, energy-market context, congressional reactions and Ukrainian criticism.
Source material