US President Donald Trump has waived key sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia, in a move that has intensified concerns over Washington’s relationship with Ukraine as tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continue to grow.
Trump issued an executive order on Friday, October 16, suspending several measures contained in a sanctions law he signed the previous month. The legislation was designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, including potential tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries buying Russian oil and gas.
The president said the decision was in the national interest of the United States. The move has drawn criticism from lawmakers who argue that easing pressure on Russia could weaken efforts to end the war and undermine support for Kyiv.
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Trump Puts Newly Approved Russia Sanctions on Hold
The sanctions package, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was passed by Congress and signed into law by Trump in September.
It was designed to restrict Russia’s access to international revenue and increase the cost of continuing its war against Ukraine.
Among its provisions were potential tariffs of up to 100% on imports from major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, alongside measures targeting Russian officials, financial institutions and vessels involved in transporting Russian energy exports.
However, Trump’s executive order waived many of the restrictions and duties before they were due to take effect.
Under the legislation, the president can waive the relevant measures by notifying Congress that their implementation is not in the national interest. Trump said he had submitted the required certification, and the waiver will remain in effect until further notice or until his administration determines that additional action is appropriate.
Russia Sanctions Decision Draws Criticism
The decision has triggered criticism from politicians who support tougher economic measures against Moscow.
US Representative Don Beyer, a Democrat, accused Trump of weakening the pressure intended to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable for the invasion of Ukraine.
Critics argue that suspending the measures could allow Russia to continue benefiting from energy revenues while the conflict remains unresolved.
The decision has also raised questions about the administration’s broader strategy towards Moscow, particularly after Trump recently announced a controversial arrangement involving Russian diesel supplies.
Russia’s investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, welcomed the sanctions waiver, describing it as a historic moment and arguing that the legislation could otherwise have severely restricted economic cooperation between Russia and the United States.
Diesel Deal Adds to Tensions With Zelensky
Trump’s decision comes amid controversy over an arrangement intended to increase Russian diesel supplies to global markets and ease pressure on energy prices.
The proposed deal reportedly involved Russia supplying hundreds of thousands of tonnes of diesel initially, with further shipments expected in subsequent months.
The arrangement has drawn criticism from US lawmakers who fear that lifting restrictions on Russian energy exports could provide Moscow with additional revenue while its war against Ukraine continues.
Zelensky has also expressed concern about the financial benefits Russia could receive from renewed energy sales.
The dispute has become more serious as Trump has blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for contributing to higher energy prices. Zelensky, meanwhile, has argued that Ukraine must be able to defend itself against continued Russian attacks on its own energy infrastructure.
The disagreement has complicated efforts to establish an energy ceasefire between the two countries.
Trump and Zelensky Exchange Criticism
Relations between the two presidents have deteriorated further as they disagree over how to end the war.
Trump has publicly criticised Zelensky and suggested that Ukraine needs a different leader. He has also condemned Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, arguing that the attacks are contributing to higher fuel prices.
Zelensky has defended Ukraine’s actions as part of its effort to resist Russia’s invasion and protect its national interests.
The Ukrainian president has also questioned whether Moscow is genuinely committed to an energy ceasefire, pointing to continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities.
The growing dispute has raised concerns in Kyiv and among European governments about the future of American military and diplomatic support for Ukraine.
Europe Reaffirms Support for Ukraine
As Washington’s position has come under scrutiny, European leaders have reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine.
At a summit in Brussels, European Council President António Costa argued that the situation called for increased support for Kyiv rather than easing pressure on Moscow.
Zelensky has asked European governments to provide additional military assistance, including air-defence systems, as Ukraine prepares for winter and faces continuing attacks on its energy infrastructure.
European leaders are also considering Ukraine’s financial needs for the coming year, as the country struggles to fund its defence and maintain essential government services.
The divergence between Washington and several European capitals has added another layer of uncertainty to efforts to secure a lasting settlement to the conflict.
What Trump’s Decision Means for the Ukraine War
Trump’s waiver represents a significant change in the immediate implementation of the new sanctions law, although it does not mean every existing US restriction on Russia has been lifted.
The decision could affect Washington’s leverage over Moscow and its ability to pressure countries purchasing Russian energy. Its practical economic impact will depend on how the administration applies the waiver and whether additional restrictions are introduced later.
For Ukraine, the development comes at a difficult moment as Russian attacks continue and Kyiv seeks more international assistance.
For the United States, the decision highlights the competing pressures of managing energy prices, pursuing diplomatic engagement with Moscow and maintaining support for a country resisting Russia’s invasion.
Whether the waiver helps advance Trump’s diplomatic objectives or further strains relations with Ukraine and its European partners remains uncertain. What is clear is that the disagreement over sanctions, energy supplies and military support has become a central issue in the international response to the war.