Trump waives Russian sanctions, citing US interests as new law takes effect

President Donald Trump has waived numerous sanctions against Russia that were part of a new US law targeting Moscow's war in Ukraine, citing US national interests in an executive order issued Friday night. The law, signed by Trump in September and set to take effect Sunday, included tariffs up to 100% on major Russian oil and gas buyers like China and India, plus sanctions on Putin, officials, banks, and Russia's shadow fleet. Trump's move follows his announcement to import Russian diesel to lower US energy prices before November midterms, sparking bipartisan backlash. A bipartisan group of 20 lawmakers urged Trump on Thursday to fully implement the law, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, saying it would force Putin to take peace talks seriously. Ukrainian President Zelensky called the diesel deal "an investment in a war that must be ended."