Trump Waives Russia Sanctions and Tariffs Days Before They Take Effect

President Donald Trump waived many Russia-related sanctions and tariffs on Friday, days before they were set to take effect under a law he signed in September. The executive order comes amid his warming stance toward Russia and criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The legislation, backed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, would have imposed tariffs up to 100% on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas and countries aiding Russia's sanctions evasion. Trump certified the waiver as in the US national interest. Countries like India, a major buyer of Russian oil, had raised concerns about the bill's potential impact. The waiver delays penalties that were scheduled to activate within 30 days of the law's enactment.