Donald Trump Waives Sanctions on Russian Energy Importers

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on October 17, 2026, implementing and immediately waiving 100 percent tariffs on the largest importers of Russian oil and gas. The order executes the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which had mandated duties on the top five buyers of Russian energy and the top five facilitators of sanctions evasion by October 18. Trump certified to Congress that the waiver serves the "national interests of the United States," specifically citing a diesel supply deal with Russia.

The decision spares major buyers including India and China from severe penalties. Indian industry leaders and the Ministry of External Affairs described the move as a boon for energy security, noting that access to competitively priced Russian crude helps moderate input costs and ease inflationary pressures. However, some Indian experts warned that the reviewable nature of the waiver creates uncertainty for long-term investment.

The move drew sharp criticism from Ukraine and some U.S. lawmakers. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the decision as "wrong," arguing that it fuels Russia's "desire to keep killing people." U.S. Representative Don Beyer characterized the waiver as a "surrender to Putin." Conversely, Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev praised the action as a "historic moment."

While existing sanctions on Russia remain, the executive order transfers waiver authority to the Secretary of State. The U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Energy will continue to monitor Russian energy imports to determine if future actions are necessary.