Trump Waives Russia Sanctions to Lower Domestic Diesel Prices

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on October 16, 2026, waiving the majority of sanctions and tariffs mandated by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The decision prevents the implementation of duties up to 500% on Russian goods and 100% tariffs on the five largest importers of Russian energy, including India and China. Trump certified the waiver as being in the national interest, specifically to lower domestic diesel prices before the November 3 midterm elections.

The waiver follows a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import millions of tonnes of diesel. The agreement specifies an initial shipment of 300,000 tonnes, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and 1 million tonnes monthly thereafter. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the move as a 60-day pause to analyze the global economic impact of the sanctions, noting that allies like India cannot pivot their energy portfolios immediately.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the move as a betrayal and a gift to the Kremlin, arguing it rewards Russian aggression. Tensions between Washington and Kyiv further escalated following reports that the White House restricted Ukraine's access to Starshield satellite services and reduced intelligence sharing. In response, Zelenskyy appealed to the European Union for 70 billion euros in additional aid and increased military support.

The decision sparked bipartisan backlash in the U.S. Congress. Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, along with Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, characterized the waiver as a capitulation to Putin. Conversely, Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the diesel deal as a carrot to incentivize a peace agreement.