He signed an executive order on Friday evening waiving key sanctions and tariffs meant to pressure Russia to end its war in Ukraine , which began in February 2022. US President Donald Trump has blocked key parts of a Russia sanctions law just two days before they were due to take effect.
As per Newsweek , Trump signed the Lindsey O. The move comes as a row with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky deepens. The decision drew criticism from lawmakers in both parties and from Zelensky, while a senior Russian official praised it. The Friday executive order waives several sanctions provisions and extra tariffs allowed under the law. The order reads: “I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act. I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina called the decision “beyond irresponsible. He added: “It’s unconscionable that this administration is capitulating to a Russian dictator who illegally invaded Ukraine and butchers innocent civilians every single day. Nebraska Republican Representative Don Bacon posted on X : “The President is prolonging the war, not ending it.
Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on September 18. The law allows a 500 percent tariff on goods imported from Russia, subject to statutory exceptions, according to reports. It also allows possible 100 percent tariffs on goods from the five largest importers of Russian-origin crude oil and natural gas if they make new purchases on or after October 18. He wrote on X on Saturday: “What part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate does the President and his advisors not understand?
Bacon also said many lawmakers will resist funding the president’s agenda “knowing he is propping up a dictator’s invasion and throwing an ally under the bus”. He later told reporters he believed the Trump administration would lift more sanctions against Russia, according to BBC.
