Ukraine War: Trump Uses Decree to Suspend Parts of Russia Sanctions

Just over a month after signing a sanctions package against Russia, US President Donald Trump put the tariffs planned within it on hold, shortly before they were set to take effect. The severe punitive measures were therefore temporarily suspended, according to a decree published on Friday (local time). Trump justified his move, stating that it was in the "national interest" at the time.

In mid-September, Trump had signed the law passed by the US Congress with far-reaching new punitive measures against Russia. The sanctions package had received bipartisan support in the Congress and was intended to put more pressure on the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine. The law stipulated that the tariffs and sanctions would take effect 30 days after signing, unless the President decided otherwise within that time.

Trump therefore delayed the tariffs just before the deadline set by Congress. Contrary to expectations, Trump seemed to pursue opposite goals last: a few days ago, he had agreed to deliver Russian diesel to the US and the global market despite existing sanctions and subsequently increased pressure on Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russia would immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel to the US and the world market, Trump announced. Existing sanctions would be suspended. Trump, whose Republicans must face voters in two weeks, hoped to lower the currently high fuel prices as a result. Fuel and diesel prices had risen significantly in recent months due to the Iran war.

Zelenskyy expressed feeling betrayed by Trump towards the end of the week regarding his deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin and subsequent threats. The law not only imposes direct sanctions on Russian politicians and companies, but also punitive measures against Russian oil and gas exports, which Moscow finances its invasion with.

The law would allow Trump to impose sanctions on the five largest buyers of Russian energy carriers and the five countries that help Russia circumvent energy sanctions. This could further strain US trade relations with China and India, large consumers of Russian oil. The sanctions law bears the name of the late Senator and Trump confidant Lindsey Graham, who had strongly promoted it.

Many Democrats criticized the draft law for giving Trump too much leeway in imposing or suspending sanctions. Ukraine has been fighting with Western military and budget support against a Russian invasion for more than four and a half years.