Trump Exempts Russia from New Sanctions, Citing US National Interest

President Donald Trump exempted Russia from major new sanctions outlined in the recently passed Graham Act, citing "the national interest of the United States" in a Friday evening executive order. The legislation, signed in mid-September, targeted Russia's energy sector, its shadow fleet, and President Vladimir Putin, and would have allowed tariffs up to 100% on major Russian oil and gas importers like China and India. The move follows Trump's October announcement of a deal with Putin to lift sanctions for US diesel imports, straining US-Ukraine relations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had praised the law as a powerful tool for peace, requested at least 70 billion euros in additional European support for 2026, as EU leaders in Brussels pledged continued backing while noting the politically sensitive cost.