President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order waiving a sweeping sanctions package against Russia, citing U.S. national interests, in a move that was condemned by Ukraine and U.S. lawmakers but welcomed by Russia.
The order targeted a bill named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), who championed the effort before his unexpected death in July.
That legislation imposes sanctions on Russian exports, as well as on political and military leaders. It was designed to squeeze Russian’s economy and deprive it of cash to fund its war against Ukraine. The legislation also targets the world’s top five buyers of Russian oil and gas, and extends sanctions against Iran.
Under the bill, which was signed into law by Trump, the sanctions would have kicked in on Sunday.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) was among several lawmakers who blasted the sanctions waiver. “Lindsey would be appalled,” Cornyn wrote on X, referring to Graham’s vociferous criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his staunch support for Ukraine.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) described Trump’s decision as “beyond irresponsible” in a post on X on Saturday. “It’s unconscionable that this administration is capitulating to a Russian dictator who illegally invaded Ukraine and butchers innocent civilians every single day,” he said.
In Friday’s executive order, Trump did not elaborate on the national interests behind the move. The White House did not immediately reply to an overnight request for comment.
Trump’s decision to waive the sanctions followed the administration’s announcement earlier this month that the United States would import diesel from Russia in a bid to lower energy prices.
Trump is facing pressure over diesel prices ahead of next month’s midterm elections. The high cost of living has emerged as a top concern for voters. The deal Trump announced to import Russian oil led to strong bipartisan pushback. U.S. allies in Europe also underscored their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after the announcement.
The oil deal with Russia could somewhat ease prices in the U.S., though the figures are a small slice of U.S. consumption, and the price impact is expected to be muted, The Washington Post has previously reported. It was accompanied by a lifting of U.S. sanctions on Russian diesel by the Treasury Department, which said that sales of the fuel to the U.S. would be allowed until April.
Russia launched its war against Ukraine in 2022. The United States and its European allies have largely been concerted in their support for Ukraine. But the alliance has grown uneasy under Trump, who has shown public frustration with Zelensky and blamed him for not settling the war with Russia.
Zelensky criticized Friday’s decision in a post Saturday, highlighting Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector.
“A U.S. sanctions blackout, easing pressure on the aggressor, financial rewards for Putin — all of this only encourages him to keep attacking. We must not give up ground,” he said.
The move also drew swift condemnation from Democrats who described it as a capitulation to Putin.
“Trump’s latest surrender to Putin again betrays our Ukrainian partners and defies clear congressional intent of legislation designed to punish Russia for its illegal war of aggression,” Rep. Don Beyer (D-Virginia) said in a post on X.
“These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, & everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal ((D-Connecticut) said early Saturday. “I hope my Republican colleagues will join me in condemning this craven, cowardly action,” he wrote.
“Trump just gave Putin the best birthday gift he’ll get this year,” wrote Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York). “By giving the Russian economy life support Trump’s deal with the devil keeps getting dirtier.”
“President Trump has once again opted for capitulation to the Kremlin. Lindsey Graham, John McCain, and Ronald Reagan must be turning in their graves,” wrote Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) on X.
But it was welcomed in Moscow, with Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev calling it an “important and truly historic moment.”
“Economic cooperation between Russia and the United States serves the interests of both countries, contributes to the stability of the global economy, and lays the foundation for building trust and achieving lasting peace,” he said.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) welcomed Trump’s move, writing on X that he was “glad” to see that Trump waived “almost all the provisions of this stupid law that pertain to Russia.”
The post Trump signs order putting Russia sanctions on hold, drawing bipartisan anger appeared first on Washington Post.
