Trump Suspends Russia Sanctions
President Trump’s decision to waive Russian sanctions drew criticism from Congress and Ukraine, citing concerns about enforcing a bipartisan law and potential implications for peace negotiations. The move involved a 60-day pause to analyze the global economic impact.
What happened
- President Donald Trump announced a suspension of sanctions on Russia, effective immediately, two days before they were scheduled to take effect.
- This decision followed the passage of the Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act by the US Senate, which targeted Russian officials and financial institutions.
- However, Trump waived the sanctions, citing a desire to facilitate peace negotiations with Vladimir Putin.
- Republican Senator Rick Scott criticized the move as ‘not the first thing I would be doing,’ while Senator Thom Tillis deemed it ‘irresponsible’ and ‘unconscionable.’
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the waiver would be a 60-day period for analysis of the sanctions’ impact on the global economy.
- Trump’s action included a deal with Putin to import Russian diesel, aiming to curb high gas prices in the US.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern that the move would ‘continue’ to lift Russian sanctions and was deemed a ‘historic mistake.’
- Senator John Cornyn noted that Lindsey Graham would have been appalled by the decision.
- The move occurred amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine and concerns about the impact of the Iran war on global energy prices.
Original reporting
- PBS NewsHour: Trump's decision to waive Russian sanctions outrages Congress, but no quick counter seen
2026-10-17T15:57:10+00:00 - France 24 English: Rubio says Trump to 'analyze' global impact of Russia sanctions during pause
2026-10-18T02:39:29+00:00 - BBC: Trump says suspension of Russia sanctions is to keep peace negotiations going
2026-10-18T22:10:45.113000+00:00