President Donald Trump has waived sweeping US sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia’s energy revenues, reversing a policy aimed at pressuring Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
In an executive order, Trump said he was suspending the application of sanctions, restrictions and duties provided for under the Lindsey Graham Act, which he signed into law last month.
“As described further in section 4 of this order, I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” the order stated.
The law, named after the late US senator who sponsored it, authorised Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
It also targeted Russia’s energy and defence sectors, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, as well as Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers allegedly used to circumvent Western sanctions.
Trump’s decision comes after a controversial deal with Putin that would allow Russian diesel exports in exchange for relief from US sanctions.
Trump’s decision comes after a controversial deal with Putin that would allow Russian diesel exports in exchange for relief from US sanctions.
The move has strained relations between Washington and Kyiv, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky describing the decision as “weak”.
Ukrainian forces have also resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries, according to the report, amid tensions over the agreement.
The waiver marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach to economic pressure on Moscow, while raising concerns about its implications for Ukraine and Western efforts to restrict Russian energy revenues.
