Trump waives sanctions under Graham Act targeting Russia and buyers of Russian energy

The order, published by the White House, states that suspending the measures at this time is in the national interests of the United States.

Trump signed the Graham Act on September 18. The legislation provides for sanctions against individuals and entities supporting Russia's war against Ukraine, as well as tariffs targeting Russia and countries purchasing Russian energy or facilitating sanctions evasion.

The October 16 executive order formally sets a 500% tariff on goods imported from Russia and 100% tariffs on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas that make new purchases beginning October 18, as well as the five leading facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion.

However, the same order immediately waives the application of those tariffs and a broad range of sanctions under the legislation.

The waivers will remain in effect until the president or designated administration officials determine that further action is appropriate.

The order explicitly states that it does not affect sanctions previously imposed under executive orders addressing harmful Russian government activities.

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, a co-author of the legislation, condemned Trump's decision, accusing the president of appeasing Russian leader Vladimir Putin rather than protecting US national security.

The decision comes amid renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. On October 16, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov announced that Moscow had begun large-scale strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities ahead of winter.

On October 17, the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia was left without electricity following an overnight Russian attack.

Earlier, on October 11, Trump claimed that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an "energy ceasefire," an announcement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said had come as news to him.