Donald Trump suspends Russia sanctions via executive order

On October 16, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending a package of new sanctions and tariffs against Russia. These measures were originally part of the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," which Trump had signed into law on September 18. The suspended legislation targeted Russia’s energy sector, including potential 100% tariffs on goods and penalties for countries importing Russian energy. Trump cited the "national interest of the United States" as the justification for the waiver, a move following a reported deal to import Russian diesel to help manage energy prices ahead of U.S. midterm elections.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the decision, stating that easing economic pressure only encourages further Russian attacks and rewards the Kremlin. The suspension has created diplomatic friction between Washington and Kyiv, while also raising concerns among European allies regarding the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Kremlin economic advisor Kirill Dmitriev praised the decision as a "historic moment." Zelenskyy also noted the possibility of a potential tripartite meeting between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Miami this December, though neither Washington nor Moscow has confirmed such plans.