Trump waives key provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act; Ukraine criticizes the decision.

The US House of Representatives passed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act" on September 16, 2026. President Trump signed the bill into law on September 18, 2026.

The act requires the president to increase duties on Russian goods by up to 500% within 30 days of enactment. This legislative effort sought to tighten economic pressure on Moscow by targeting Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers. On October 16, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order waiving key provisions of the act, a move that Russian officials hailed as a historic moment. This decision follows an earlier October 10, 2026, waiver regarding Russian diesel exports. Lawmakers designed the measure to increase economic pressure on Moscow.

1. The administration cited national security as the justification for the waiver. The waiver allows the executive branch to maintain flexibility in global energy markets.

2. The waiver addresses concerns regarding global energy stability.

3. Kirill Dmitriev, an economy envoy for Vladimir Putin, characterized the suspension of the Graham Act provisions as a historic moment on October 17, 2026. This indicates the move is viewed by Russian officials as a "historic" development.

4. The executive order remains in effect until President Trump or his senior officials determine that further action is necessary. The administration designed this policy to respond to changing geopolitical conditions.

1. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the White House's waiver of key sanctions provisions on October 17, 2026. Zelenskyy described the decision as wrong. This move highlights differing views between the two nations on enforcing economic penalties against Moscow.

2. Senator Richard Blumenthal criticized the waiver on October 17, 2026. Blumenthal stated that President Donald Trump "stands with the enablers of Russia's war machine." He argued that the waivers do not serve national security. Blumenthal also claimed the policy is about "sucking up to Vladimir Putin."

3. The Graham Act targets Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers to restrict resources for the war in Ukraine. The administration waived these provisions. Critics argue this action nullifies the legislative intent to penalize the Russian economy.