Trump Lifts Sanctions on Russia

President Donald Trump has lifted sanctions against Russia via an executive order signed early Saturday, indefinitely suspending penalties enacted under a law he signed in September. The order is titled "Implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Law of 2026." The suspended law, passed by Congress and signed by Trump on September 18, imposed a 500 percent tariff on Russian goods, 100 percent tariffs on goods from the top five importers of Russian oil and top five nations aiding sanctions evasion, and barred Putin, supporting oligarchs, and top politicians from entering the U.S. It also tightened sanctions on Russian banks and companies, with provisions requiring implementation within 30 days. Trump's action is legal due to a clause allowing him to remove sanctions with congressional justification, while earlier sanctions remain in effect. The move follows an October 9 Trump-Putin deal for Russia to supply over four million tons of diesel globally, which Zelenskyy called "unfair and dishonest." Trump subsequently proposed a new Ukrainian leader and declared an energy ceasefire on October 11, though Russia attacked a Kharkiv power plant shortly after.