Congress outraged as Trump waives Russian sanctions, but response limited until after elections

President Donald Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress had overwhelmingly approved for supporting Ukraine, drawing bipartisan outrage from lawmakers who criticized his approach toward Vladimir Putin. The decision came days before the sanctions were set to take effect. Congress members from both parties condemned the executive order, with senators calling it irresponsible and unconscionable. The sanctions bill, named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, was designed to impose steep tariffs on countries importing Russian oil. Trump cited national security concerns and announced a diesel deal with Putin to lower U.S. gas prices ahead of midterm elections. Congress remains out of session until after Election Day, limiting immediate response options. Ukraine is bracing for a harsh winter as Russia attacks its energy infrastructure. A bipartisan group of senators has urged faster action against Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers, while Rep. Gregory Meeks introduced legislation to block Trump's diesel deal.