Trump Reverses Course on Russia, Waives Sanctions and Oil Tariffs

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order suspending the application of new US sanctions and tariffs aimed at Russia, including measures targeting the country’s energy revenues.

The order, signed on Friday, waives provisions of legislation Trump signed into law last month known as the Lindsey Graham Act. The law, named after the late US senator who sponsored it, gave the president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas.

“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 said.

The legislation was designed to put pressure on Moscow by targeting its energy and defence industries, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. It also covered Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers, which Moscow uses to circumvent Western sanctions.

Trump’s latest move follows a controversial deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin that would permit Russian diesel exports in return for US sanctions relief.

The agreement has triggered tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the decision, calling it a “weak decision”.

Ukrainian forces have also resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries following the deal, highlighting the continuing dispute over how to pressure Moscow amid the wider conflict.

The executive order marks a shift in the US administration’s approach to the sanctions measures, potentially affecting efforts to restrict Russia’s energy revenues.

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