Trump Waives Key Provisions of New Russia Sanctions Law
U.S. President Donald Trump has waived key parts of the recently enacted Lindsey O. Graham Act, which aimed to impose new sanctions on Russian goods and energy buyers. The move suspends duties that were set to increase by up to 500% on imports from Russia and tariffs targeting major purchasers like China and India. This decision was made just two days before the law's implementation deadline. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly criticized the waiver, stating it benefits only Russia and undermines efforts to stop its war against Ukraine. The legislation had been backed by late Senator Lindsey Graham and aimed at curbing Russian economic support for its military operations in Ukraine. Trump's decision has drawn praise from a Russian envoy but condemnation from Democrats and Zelenskyy. The waiver follows another recent easing of sanctions on Russian diesel exports, which was intended to address fuel supply issues ahead of the November midterm elections.
Topics: Executive Order Graham Act Russia-Ukraine Conflict U.S. Sanctions