TRUMP HALTS RUSSIA SANCTIONS, CITES US NATIONAL INTEREST
Read Time:2 Minute, 16 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
US President Donald Trump has suspended the implementation of a sweeping package of sanctions against Russia that he signed into law last month, citing national interest as the reason for his decision.
Trump signed an executive order on Friday, October 16, 2026, just two days before the sanctions were scheduled to take effect, according to Al Jazeera.
The bipartisan legislation, which secured significant majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, was designed to reduce Moscow’s revenue for its war in Ukraine by imposing restrictions on Russian officials, banks and tankers transporting Russian energy products.
The law also authorised tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five largest importers of Russian oil or gas, subject to certain exemptions for countries taking steps to reduce their dependence on Russian natural gas.
Trump’s decision has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who warned that delaying the sanctions could weaken efforts to limit Russia’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
Democratic Representative Don Beyer said lawmakers had anticipated the possibility that the president might suspend the measures.
“We warned that Trump might take such action,” Beyer said, referring to the US president’s agreement with Moscow.
He urged Congress to intervene and ensure that the legislation achieves its intended objectives.
Beyer called on lawmakers to “fix this flawed law to stop Trump from capitulating to Putin and ensure that it truly supports Ukraine”.
The suspension came a week after Trump announced an agreement for the United States to purchase diesel from Russia in a bid to reduce global fuel prices.
The proposed deal also attracted criticism from lawmakers across party lines, who expressed concerns that it could provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its war effort without necessarily lowering fuel costs.
The sanctions package was intended to intensify economic pressure on Russia through restrictions targeting government officials, financial institutions and vessels involved in transporting its energy exports.
The development comes amid growing tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Trump has recently criticised Zelenskyy for failing to reach an agreement with Moscow, while European leaders continue to discuss additional financial assistance for Kyiv.
The suspension also comes ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, with Republicans seeking to retain control of Congress.
An AP-NORC poll released on October 1 found that Americans disapproved of Trump’s handling of the Iran war and held him responsible for rising prices, among other domestic concerns.
Trump’s latest decision is expected to intensify debate in Washington over the administration’s Russia policy, the effectiveness of economic sanctions and continued American support for Ukraine.
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