Trump waives Russia-related sanctions, prompting backlash from Ukraine and US lawmakers

President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order to temporarily waive several Russia-related sanctions, just two days before they were scheduled to be implemented under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Trump, who had signed the bipartisan legislation into law a month prior, stated that the waiver was in the "national interests" of the United States. This decision followed an earlier agreement for Russia to supply diesel to global markets, which the administration suggested was aimed at lowering fuel prices.

The move triggered immediate and strong criticism from both sides of the political spectrum in the United States, as well as from Ukraine. A bipartisan group of US lawmakers expressed outrage, arguing that the waiver undermined support for Ukraine and disregarded Congress's intent to apply economic pressure on Moscow for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also condemned the decision, stating that easing sanctions would only encourage Russia to continue its aggression. Many critics contended that allowing Russia to generate revenue, particularly through diesel sales, would ultimately aid Moscow's war efforts.