Trump waives U.S. sanctions on Russia under Graham Act

President Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving U.S. sanctions on Russia, specifically those under the Graham Act passed by Congress in September. The waiver was announced Friday with a certification that it serves U.S. national interests, though no detailed explanation was provided. The Graham Act, named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, was designed to pressure Russia into peace negotiations with Ukraine. Democrats and some Republicans condemned the move, with critics accusing Trump of capitulating to Russian President Vladimir Putin and betraying congressional intent. The waiver follows an Oct. 9 deal to buy Russian diesel and a Treasury license allowing such sales until April 7. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky linked the move to a deadly Russian attack, while Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev praised it as historic.