US President Trump Waives Tariffs and Sanctions Under New Russia Law, Facing EU and Congressional Pushback

President Donald Trump issued an executive order implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 but waived its tariffs and many sanctions, raising duties on Russian goods by 500% and imposing an additional 100% duty on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas that make new purchases on or after October 18. This move has drawn criticism from EU leaders, who expressed regret and urged stronger measures against hybrid threats, and a US lawmaker who introduced legislation to block the administration from purchasing Russian diesel. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also stated fears that the US would lift more sanctions on Russia.