Trump waives some sanctions, restrictions, duties on Russia in Graham Act

In a move that signals a warming relationship between the United States and Russia, President Donald Trump has waived numerous sanctions, restrictions, and duties on Russia, days before they were set to take effect. This executive order is set to come into play at a time when Trump has been displaying a more favorable attitude towards Russia and has publicly criticized Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky.

The legislation, backed primarily by late Senator Lindsey Graham, would have imposed tariffs of up to 100% on all goods imported into the US from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas. It would also target any country that knowingly procured oil or gas within 30 days of the law's enactment, or was ranked among the top five countries aiding Russia in evading sanctions.

Trump's decision to waive these sanctions comes as part of a certification submitted to Congress, stating that it is in the national interests of the United States. This move has come amidst growing concerns from countries like India, which is among the largest buyers of Russian oil, over the stringent nature of the Graham Act.