Trump Waives Russia Sanctions as Moscow Attacks Ukraine Energy

President Donald Trump issued an executive order waiving tariffs and sanctions against Russian financial institutions, government entities, and the energy industry. The order bypasses the bipartisan Graham bill, which had been passed by both the House and Senate. Trump stated the waiver is in the national interests of the United States and argued that maintaining these sanctions would drive Russia away from the bargaining table during peace negotiations.

Following the waiver, Russia launched one of the largest attacks of the conflict on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, striking more than 15 power facilities. Simultaneously, reports emerged that the White House ordered speed limits on SpaceX's Starshield satellite service, compromising Ukrainian air defenses. Trump denied personal involvement in the order, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the restrictions remain in place.

In response to the policy shift, U.S. Representative Marc Veasey called for investigations into the president's financial ties to Russia, citing a diesel export deal and the sanctions waiver as favors for Vladimir Putin. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a 60-day review of the sanctions' impact following bipartisan criticism from Congress. Meanwhile, Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev described the thaw in relations as a historic moment, noting that forthcoming economic deals in the Arctic signal a shift in global dynamics as European leaders face domestic instability and street violence in Paris and Milan.