US President Donald Trump has suspended the implementation of new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia’s energy revenues, reversing measures introduced under a law passed last month.
In an executive order signed on Friday, Trump waived the restrictions provided for under the Lindsey Graham Act, which authorised the United States to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.
The legislation was designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow by targeting its energy and defence industries, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. It also covered Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers allegedly used to evade Western sanctions.
Trump’s decision to suspend the measures follows a controversial agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin that reportedly allows Russia to resume diesel exports in exchange for relief from US sanctions.
The move has heightened tensions between Washington and Kyiv, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticising the decision as weak.
Relations between the United States and Ukraine have deteriorated following the agreement, while Ukrainian forces have resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries.
The waiver marks a shift in Washington’s approach to economic pressure on Russia, particularly measures intended to restrict revenue from oil and gas exports, which remain important sources of funding for the Russian government.
The extent and duration of the sanctions relief will depend on the provisions of Trump’s executive order and any subsequent actions by his administration.
