Trump Waives Russia Sanctions Under New Executive Order, Citing National Security

The "Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act" became law on September 18, 2026, after receiving bipartisan support in Congress. The act penalizes the five largest importers of Russian crude and gas by authorizing tariffs of up to 100% on their goods. It also targets Russia's shadow fleet of tankers. Russia redirected oil cargoes to Asian markets after Western nations and the G7 imposed a price cap following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

India became the largest importer of Russian seaborne crude in 2026. While the administration claims the deal will lower wholesale fuel prices, the agreement has faced bipartisan criticism from lawmakers who argue it undermines sanctions and betrays the legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. It averaged 1.8 million barrels per day that year.

1. The waiver follows a deal to increase global diesel supply. Then-President Donald Trump reached an agreement with Vladimir Putin to ease existing sanctions. Moscow agreed to release large amounts of diesel onto global markets in exchange for this relief.

2. The US Treasury signaled a shift in Russian energy policy on October 9, 2026. The agency permitted the sale and import of Russian diesel to the global market through April 7, 2027. This executive order aligns the broader sanctions regime with that policy.

3. The act's suspension prevents tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major importers of Russian energy. This policy benefits countries such as India. India imported an average of 1.8 million barrels of Russian seaborne crude per day in 2026.

4. Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy for Russian President Vladimir Putin, publicly praised the decision. Dmitriev characterized the suspension of the Graham Act as a notable development.

1. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat who helped draft the sanctions bill, criticized the waiver. Blumenthal stated that the move was not related to national security. This claim challenged the administration's justification for the executive order.

2. European Council chief Antonio Costa expressed opposition to the decision. He stated that it is not the time to relieve Russia's sanctions.

3. The waiver remains in effect until President Trump or his administration determines that further action is necessary. The September 18, 2026, legislation mandates these sanctions, but the waiver lacks a fixed expiration date.