Trump Blocks Major Russia Sanctions Two Days Before Deadline
Trump has waived nearly all sanctions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, invoking U.S. national interests just two days before an implementation deadline.
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U.S. President Donald Trump has waived nearly all sanctions against Russia under legislation he signed into law last month, suspending sweeping economic measures intended to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine just two days before an implementation deadline.
The executive order, issued Friday, invokes a national interest exemption contained in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, which Congress passed following a year-long legislative push led by the late Republican senator.
Sanctions Waived Ahead of Deadline
The legislation gave Trump 30 days after signing it to either enforce its sanctions or invoke a waiver, subject to notifying Congress that the exemption served U.S. national interests.
The measures authorized tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India.
They also targeted senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, Russian financial institutions and vessels used to circumvent existing restrictions on Moscow's energy trade.
Trump's decision to suspend nearly all of the provisions effectively prevents the sanctions package from taking effect as originally envisaged by its congressional supporters.
Lawmakers Challenge Trump's Decision
The waiver has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans already concerned about Washington's recent moves to ease economic restrictions on Russia.
Democratic Representative Don Beyer accused Trump of disregarding Congress and weakening U.S. support for Kyiv.
He also called for changes to the legislation to prevent Trump from exercising such broad waiver authority.
Former State Department sanctions coordinator Daniel Fried linked the decision to Washington's recent agreement involving Russian fuel.
"One week after the diesel deal and the Trump administration keeps the pressure off Russia," Fried said.
Democratic and Republican members of the House also urged Trump to abandon the fuel arrangement and use the Graham Act to increase economic pressure on Moscow.
The sanctions exemption leaves the administration with fewer immediate economic restrictions on Russia at a time when Ukrainian officials continue to press for tougher measures against Moscow.
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