Trump exempts Russia from new US sanctions in executive order

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday exempting Russia from new sanctions approved by the US Congress last month, signaling a strengthening of his relationship with Vladimir Putin and interest in Russian oil. The sanctions, part of the Lindsay Graham Act targeting Russian officials, oligarchs, and financial institutions, aimed to cut funds for the war in Ukraine. Trump notified Congress of the waiver two days before the measure was set to take effect, citing national interest without providing detailed justification. The decision follows Trump's removal of sanctions on Russian diesel and comes amid rising energy prices ahead of November midterm elections. Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky, who warned the move will put more money in Putin's pocket to finance the war.