Trump waives new sanctions on Russia citing national interests

President Donald Trump has waived new sanctions against Russia related to fossil fuel sales, days before they were set to take effect under legislation he signed last month, according to kvia.com and newsradio1470.iheart.com. This waiver suspends tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports and 100% duties on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, which were part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.

The executive order was issued shortly after an agreement between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Russian diesel fuel into the global market amid rising diesel prices, as reported by newsradio1470.iheart.com. Trump stated that the waiver serves the national interests of the United States, though the order did not specify detailed reasons and said it will remain until further action is deemed appropriate.

The decision has sparked criticism from lawmakers across party lines. Senator Richard Blumenthal called it a "craven, cowardly action," while Representative Don Bacon said it prolongs the war in Ukraine, according to newsradio1470.iheart.com. Kyiv Post noted that the waivers could provide Russia with additional revenue to finance its military operations against Ukraine.

The legislation required the administration to submit a report to Congress explaining the waiver. Trump confirmed that the report was sent, but details on why the waiver serves U.S. interests were not publicly disclosed, as reported by newsradio1470.iheart.com. The move comes less than three weeks before midterm elections, with cost of living as a key voter concern.

The White House has also pressured Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian oil facilities to ease oil prices, though Ukraine has since resumed attacks, and Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, according to kvia.com. The waiver has raised alarm among European allies amid the ongoing conflict.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, hailed the waiver as an "important and truly historic moment," reflecting Moscow’s positive reception of the U.S. decision, as reported by kvia.com.