Trump puts new Russia sanctions on hold

US President Donald Trump has put new Russia sanctions on hold, citing national interests.

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US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order waiving new sanctions on Russia, which were set to take effect on Friday. The sanctions were passed by Congress and signed into law by Trump in September, as part of the Lindsey Graham Act.

The executive order cited national security reasons for the decision to waive the sanctions, which were aimed at starving Russian President Vladimir Putin of resources needed to continue the war in Ukraine. The sanctions were meant to penalize Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers that keeps Russian energy moving.

The move comes a week after Trump said the US had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia to try and bring down global energy prices, despite potentially hurting Ukraine in its war with Russia. The decision has drawn criticism from Democrats, who accuse Trump of capitulating to Moscow and turning his back on Kyiv and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Lindsey Graham Act had found bipartisan support in Congress and was passed in September. It allowed the Trump administration to increase pressure on Russia over its war against Ukraine by imposing duties up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil. The sanctions were meant to starve Russian President Vladimir Putin of the resources needed to continue its war in Ukraine.

The waiver will remain in effect until Trump or his top officials determine that 'further action is appropriate.' The decision has sparked a backlash from US lawmakers, with some accusing Trump of betraying Ukraine and defying clear congressional intent.