Donald Trump suspends new US sanctions against Russia citing national interest

On October 16, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the implementation of a significant package of new sanctions against Russia. These measures, which were part of the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026' signed into law on September 18, included tariffs of up to 100% on specific imports and restrictions targeting Russian energy revenue. Trump stated that the suspension was in the national interest of the United States and aimed at keeping Moscow at the negotiating table to facilitate peace efforts in the ongoing war with Ukraine.

The decision has triggered significant friction between Washington and Kyiv, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning that the move emboldens Vladimir Putin to continue his aggression. Tensions are further exacerbated by disputes over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities, which the U.S. has pressured Kyiv to halt to prevent price hikes ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Meanwhile, Russian officials, including Kremlin advisor Kirill Dmitriev, have praised the decision as a historic turning point. Zelenskyy has suggested a potential tripartite meeting with the U.S. and Russia during the G20 summit in Miami, though no official confirmation of such a meeting exists.