Trump suspends 'hellish' Russia sanctions: What it means for Ukraine and the Kremlin

On October 16, President Donald Trump suspended key sanctions and tariffs related to Russia, including penalties of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas, just days before they were to take effect. The White House issued the executive order, with Trump stating the waiver serves U.S. national interests. The suspended law, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, targeted countries purchasing Russian energy and those aiding sanctions evasion, leaving future measures to presidential discretion. The pause preserves Russian energy revenues that fund its war economy, potentially weakening pressure on Moscow. It may also reduce Ukraine's leverage if Washington simultaneously urges Kyiv to halt strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, while giving the Kremlin room to test U.S. resolve and exploit transatlantic divisions.