Trump waives new Russia sanctions as US-Ukraine ties worsen

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday waiving sweeping US sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia's energy revenues, marking a new low in Washington's ties with war-torn Ukraine. The move came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged EU leaders to provide nearly $80 billion more in support next year. The reversal follows a deal between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease sanctions in exchange for Moscow releasing large amounts of diesel into global markets. The Lindsey Graham Act, signed into law last month, had allowed Trump to impose duties up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, targeting Russia's energy and defence sectors. A Russian envoy called the decision a "historic moment," while the Kremlin has not yet reacted. The waiver comes amid strained US-Ukraine relations, with Trump branding Kyiv's actions a "disgrace" after strikes on Russian refineries, and disruptions to a US-provided satellite system hampering Ukraine's defences.