US delays 'hellish' Russia sanctions for 60 days as Trump weighs economic impact

The United States has delayed the implementation of severe sanctions and tariffs against Russia for 60 days, a decision President Donald Trump has not yet finalized. The White House will use this time to assess the economic consequences of the measures, according to Reuters. In a post on Truth Social, Trump explained his actions aim to avoid steps that would "senselessly push Russia away from the negotiating table." Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the pause will allow analysis of how the sanctions and tariffs would impact the global and American economies. Rubio also defended a separate US-Russia deal to increase diesel fuel supplies to world markets, arguing the fuel would be sold anyway and the only difference is how much the US receives. The delay follows Trump's October 16 executive order temporarily suspending key sanctions under the so-called "Graham Law," which was signed last month under pressure from lawmakers. The measures, set to take effect October 19, included tariffs on Russian goods and sanctions on countries buying Russian energy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the move, warning it would encourage Putin and prolong the war.