Trump waives many Russia-related sanctions, tariffs before they were to take effect under new law

President Donald Trump issued an executive order waiving various sanctions, restrictions, and duties targeting Russia days before they were scheduled to take effect under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. According to the Times of India, Trump invoked a provision of the act that allows the president to waive measures in the national interest, and he has submitted the required certification and report to Congress.

The waivers cover duties under Sections 112 and 113, sanctions and restrictions under Section 102(d), and several other provisions regarding individuals and foreign persons.

The legislation, which Trump signed in mid-September, would have imposed tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on all goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, as well as any country that knowingly purchased such resources or helped Russia evade sanctions. Investing.com reports that the move follows Trump's recent criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, including suggestions that Ukraine requires a new leader.

The Times of India reports that the administration is seeking to lower soaring diesel prices ahead of the November midterm elections. This follows Trump's announcement that the U.S. would purchase Russian diesel after a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Moscow reportedly agreed to supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately.

Brief written by urgent.news from Al-Monitor, Times of India, Investing.com — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.