President Trump Halts New Sanctions Against Russia, Citing National Interest

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday, October 16, 2026, to put on hold a new package of sanctions targeting the Russian economy, just two days before their scheduled implementation. The legislation, known as the Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act, was overwhelmingly passed by Congress last month to pressure Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Trump's decision drew strong condemnation from congressional Democrats and comes a week after the U.S. agreed to purchase diesel from Russia to lower global energy prices, a move criticized for potentially undermining Ukraine's war effort. Lawmakers from both parties expressed outrage, with some questioning the administration's understanding of the law and accusing Trump of capitulating to Vladimir Putin. The EU, meanwhile, welcomed a new sanctions package against Moscow and agreed to release additional military assistance to Ukraine, highlighting growing differences between Washington and Brussels on economic pressure against Russia.