Trump suspends Russia-related sanctions before they take effect

US President Donald Trump announced Friday he is suspending sanctions, restrictions, and tariffs days before they were set to take effect under a law he signed last month. The executive order comes amid his increasingly favorable posture toward Russia. The legislation, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, mandated tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on imports from the five largest buyers of Russian oil or gas. It also targeted countries deliberately purchasing Russian energy or helping Moscow evade sanctions. Trump stated he submitted a certification to Congress that the exemption "serves the national interests of the United States." He has publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, suggesting Ukraine needs new leadership.