Trump exempts Russia from sanctions and tariffs

US President Donald Trump issued an exemption on Friday from many sanctions, restrictions, and tariffs related to Russia, days before they were set to take effect under a law he signed last month. The executive order comes amid Trump's rapprochement with Russia and public criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, including suggesting Ukraine needs new leadership. Trump suspended the new congressional sanctions, stating the exemption serves US national interests. The legislation, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, would have imposed tariffs up to 100 percent within 30 days on goods from the top five importers of Russian oil or gas, and on countries knowingly purchasing Russian energy. Trump signed the Graham law in mid-September, and India, a major Russian oil buyer, had raised concerns.