Trump holds off new Russia sanctions amid Ukraine dispute

President Donald Trump has placed new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold, waiving many restrictions in an executive order Friday, citing national interest amid his public criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The legislation, backed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, targeted Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers, and directed tariffs up to 100 percent on major importers of Russian energy. Trump's pause follows his announcement that the US agreed to purchase diesel from Russia to lower global energy prices, drawing bipartisan criticism from a dozen senators. Zelenskiy warned the diesel deal would send cash flowing back to Russia, as Trump faces midterm elections and has blamed Ukrainian strikes on refineries for rising energy costs. Senator Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham's sister, acknowledged implementation remains Trump's decision.