Trump pauses new Russia sanctions passed by Congress amid deepening row with Ukraine

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President signed the legislation championed by late senator Lindsey Graham last month but has waived the restrictions as they were due to come into effect Donald Trump has put on hold a sweeping new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, telling Congress the pause on the legislation passed by both chambers was in the national interest. In an executive order on Friday, the US president said he was waiving many ⁠sanctions, restrictions and duties ⁠on Russia, in a move that comes as he ha…

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President Donald Trump has paused a new sanctions package targeting Russia, known as the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," citing national interest. This move comes as Trump has publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and suggested Ukraine needs a new leader. The decision to waive the sanctions, which were due to be implemented two days after the October 17 article publication, follows a recent announcement by Trump that the US would purchase diesel from Russia to lower global energy prices.

  • Donald Trump put on hold a new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy.
  • The legislation, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was signed by Trump last month.
  • The sanctions were due to be implemented two days after the article's publication.
  • Trump's executive order on Friday waived many sanctions, restrictions, and duties on Russia.
  • The legislation directs Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas.

Why it matters

This decision by President Trump signals a significant shift in US policy toward Russia and Ukraine, potentially easing economic pressure on Russia amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. It also highlights a growing divergence between the executive and legislative branches on foreign policy, as the sanctions package had bipartisan support in Congress. The move could have implications for global energy markets and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Historical background

The 2026 Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act builds on a history of US sanctions against Russia, particularly following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

National Interest vs. Congressional Will

President Trump's decision to waive sanctions, despite bipartisan congressional support for the legislation, demonstrates a presidential assertion of national interest over legislative intent in foreign policy.

Energy Prices and Geopolitical Strategy

The US purchase of Russian diesel, coupled with the paused sanctions, suggests a prioritization of domestic energy price concerns over a unified front against Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Timeline

  1. 2025-04-01: Senator Lindsey Graham introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act in the Senate.

    This marked the initial legislative effort to impose sanctions on Russia, laying the groundwork for the later, more comprehensive act.

  2. 2026-07-11: Senator Lindsey Graham died.

    Graham's death led to a renewed push to pass a version of the bill, which was subsequently renamed in his memory, highlighting his enduring influence on US foreign policy.

  3. 2026-08-07: A revised version of the bill, renamed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," passed the Senate.

    This marked a significant step towards the bill becoming law, demonstrating strong bipartisan support for increased sanctions on Russia and Iran.

  4. 2026-09-16: The House of Representatives passed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026."

    The passage by both chambers of Congress demonstrated rare bipartisan agreement on the need for stricter measures against Russia and Iran.

  5. 2026-09-18: President Donald Trump signed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026" into law.

    This officially enacted the legislation, providing the President with tools to impose sanctions and tariffs, though the article notes he had the option to waive them.

What to watch

The upcoming midterm elections next month will be a key indicator of public sentiment regarding President Trump's policies on Russia and Ukraine.