Trump halts sweeping sanctions on Russian goods days before they take effect

President Donald Trump waived sweeping sanctions, restrictions, and duties on Russian goods on Friday, October 16, just days before they were scheduled to take effect, citing US national interests in a formal certification to Congress. The halted legislation, known as the Graham Act, would have imposed a 500% tariff on Russian imports, 100% on goods from major facilitators of oil sanctions evasion, and 100% on imports from large Russian oil and gas buyers making new purchases after October 18. Trump's executive order allows waivers with written congressional certification. The move follows Trump's announcement of a diesel deal with Vladimir Putin and sharp criticism of Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he called "not a good guy." Zelensky called the agreement a "gift" to Russia that prolongs the war.