Trump Suspends Russia Sanctions After Diesel Deal
President cites national interest in reversing sanctions legislation passed by Congress, a move criticized by Democrats.
President Donald Trump has suspended sanctions against Russia, an action he stated was in the national interest. The executive order, issued late Friday, reversed legislation Congress passed just last month and named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The move came a week after Trump announced an agreement to purchase significant quantities of diesel fuel from Russia.
The legislation, also supported by Democrat Richard Blumenthal, aimed to curb the flow of financial resources supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. It sought to impose sanctions on Russian officials, banks, and a fleet of tankers involved in transporting Russian energy.
Democrats criticized the decision, with Blumenthal stating that Trump was disregarding the will of Congress and European allies. "These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, and everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin," Blumenthal said in a statement. Representative Don Beyer echoed these sentiments, calling for Congress to amend the law to prevent future capitulation to Putin.
Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, had advocated for stricter sanctions against Russia before his unexpected death in July. His sister, Darline Graham, who is running to retain his Senate seat, had previously highlighted the sanctions as a key legislative achievement.
Trump's administration had largely remained quiet following the bill's passage by large majorities in the House and Senate. However, the President has recently increased criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, blaming him for failing to negotiate an end to the conflict.
The agreement with Russia includes the immediate supply of over 300,000 tons of diesel, with additional quantities scheduled for November and beyond. Critics, including Ukrainian officials, have described the deal as a "gift to Putin," arguing it would prolong the war rather than lower global fuel prices. Calculations suggest the initial delivery amounts to less than two hours of global diesel demand. Trump, however, has attributed rising diesel prices to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, rather than broader geopolitical factors or his administration's policies.