Trump waives several Russia sanctions as new US law takes effect

President Donald Trump has utilized his executive authority to exempt several Russia sanctions, recently enacted by the US Congress, which were intended to penalize Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. An executive order, signed by Trump on Friday night, stated that it is in the nation's best interest to refrain from imposing some of these sanctions.

The sanctions bill was passed by Congress in September, and was set to take effect on Sunday. This move comes in the wake of Trump's announcement that the US would import Russian diesel to help reduce energy costs before the mid-term elections in November, a decision that has sparked controversy and criticism. The US sanctions law, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was designed to target Russia's economy and provided Trump with broad powers to impose tariffs of up to 100% on top oil and gas importers, primarily China and India.

Additionally, the law includes sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, key officials within the Russian government, financial institutions, and Russia's tankers used to avoid existing sanctions. On Thursday, a bipartisan group of 20 US lawmakers sent a letter to Trump urging him to adhere to the new law, which is set to take effect on October 18.

The lawmakers expressed gratitude for Trump's signature on the sanctions bill and called for the full and prompt implementation of the law, emphasizing that it would be crucial in encouraging Putin to engage in meaningful peace talks. Last week, Trump revealed that he had spoken with Putin over the phone and had agreed to import diesel from Moscow.

US allies expressed concern over this move, fearing that it could bolster Russia's position in the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the deal as a "gift to Putin" and compared it to "an investment in a war that must be ended."