Trump Defends Waiving Russia Sanctions, Cites Ukraine Talks
President Donald Trump defended suspending congressional sanctions on Russia before they were set to take effect. He said the penalties could disrupt negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine and that he could reinstate them later. Trump had signed the sanctions law in September but used a waiver to make most of it unenforceable.
Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act on Sept. 18. It sought to cut oil and gas revenue funding Russia’s war through tariffs up to 500% on Russian goods and 100% on major buyers of Russian crude and sanctions evaders. Two days before Congress’s deadline, he used a waiver to suspend those levies and other restrictions. Sanctions from prior executive orders still apply.
He said talks with Putin cover Ukraine, hostages, diesel, and Iran, and praised Moscow’s conduct on Iran. U.S. intelligence reporting has indicated Russian intelligence aid to Iran and transfers of drone components and explosives. He also mentioned openness to a China meeting with Putin and Xi on nuclear weapons.
The waiver may affect Ukrainian civilians and regional security by delaying economic pressure on Moscow while talks continue. U.S. businesses trading with Russia, energy markets, and allies relying on sanctions enforcement could face uncertainty. If penalties are later reinstated, Russian exporters and buyers of Russian crude may confront higher costs. The episode could also shape congressional confidence in future sanctions laws and presidential waiver authority.