Trump Pauses New Russia Sanctions, Citing US National Interest

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday pausing a new congressional sanctions package targeting Russia's economy, citing US national interest. The move halts the measure named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The sanctions were designed to restrict financial resources fueling Russia's war against Ukraine. Trump's decision follows his recent announcement that the US agreed to purchase Russian diesel to lower global energy prices, a move that could undermine Ukraine's war effort. The executive order allows Trump to waive the sanctions despite their passage by Congress. The pause reflects ongoing tension between legislative intent and presidential authority over foreign policy, with potential implications for Ukraine's military position.