President Donald Trump has issued an executive order suspending the implementation of most sanctions on Russia mandated by a bipartisan bill he signed last month, drawing bipartisan criticism and raising questions about U.S. policy toward the ongoing war in Ukraine. The move is part of a broader shift in the administration’s approach as it seeks to ease rising energy costs ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
The legislation, named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, targeted Russian officials, oligarchs, and financial institutions, and authorized tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries importing Russian oil. The law was intended to increase economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, which began more than a year ago, and to curtail Moscow’s energy revenues. The legislation passed Congress with bipartisan support and was seen as a strong measure to punish Russia and support Kyiv.
In his executive order issued on Friday, President Trump justified the waiver by asserting that suspending most sanctions was “in the national interests of the United States,” though he did not provide detailed reasoning in his public certification to Congress. The order follows a recent agreement for the U.S. to purchase Russian diesel fuel, a move that has sparked controversy. White House officials have cited concerns over energy prices and supply disruptions as factors behind the decision.
Reaction to the executive order was sharply divided. Kirill Dmitriev, President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, welcomed the decision, calling it a “historic moment” that would prevent severe damage to both the U.S. economy and global markets. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the move on social media, emphasizing that it undermined Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself and expressing gratitude to Senator Graham for his prior work supporting sanctions. Zelensky warned that easing sanctions would only benefit Russia and allow the conflict to continue.
Several U.S. lawmakers also expressed concern. Senator John Cornyn called for investigations into what he described as Trump's "aid and comfort" to Putin, while Senator Thom Tillis condemned the decision as “beyond irresponsible.” Senator Darline Graham, who succeeded her late brother Lindsey Graham in the Senate, said she disagreed with the suspension and planned to discuss the issue with the President. Senator Ted Cruz characterized the move as a mistake, asserting that there were alternative ways to address energy prices without easing sanctions on Russia.
Democrats framed the waiver as a betrayal of American and allied interests. Senator Richard Blumenthal, one of the legislation’s co-sponsors, accused Trump of siding with the “bloodthirsty” Russian leadership and undermining both national security and bipartisan congressional efforts.
Experts note that while Congress passed the sanctions law, the executive branch retains broad discretion to waive sanctions if deemed in the national interest. Analysts expressed surprise at the waiver, given the strong bipartisan backing for the legislation and ongoing sanctions efforts during the previous administration. They also noted the move signals a notable shift in U.S. policy, potentially reflecting the administration’s focus on domestic energy concerns amid political pressures.
The decision is likely to complicate relations between the U.S. and Ukraine, where military aid and political support remain crucial in the face of intensified Russian missile strikes on civilian targets and infrastructure. While Ukrainian forces have made strategic gains recently, Zelensky continues to rely heavily on Western assistance to sustain defense efforts.
Overall, President Trump’s suspension of the sanctions marks a significant departure from previous U.S. efforts to isolate Russia economically amidst its military aggression in Ukraine, raising questions about the future direction of American foreign policy and energy strategy in the region.