Trump waives Russia sanctions and tariffs days before deadline

President Donald Trump has waived key Russia-related US sanctions and tariffs days before they were set to take effect under a law he signed last month, citing US national interests in an executive order released Friday. The waiver suspends duties on Russian goods and penalties for purchasing its oil and gas, measures designed to pressure Moscow over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump has faced criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, who accuse him of betraying Ukraine and aiding Russia's war efforts. Analysts noted the sanctions could have raised oil prices ahead of US midterm elections, while countries like China and India had opposed the law. Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev called the waiver "a truly historic moment" for US-Russia economic cooperation.