Donald Trump waives Graham Act sanctions on Russia

President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing a sweeping package of sanctions and tariffs against Russia mandated by the Graham Act, citing the US national interest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized the move as a reward for Vladimir Putin, while Russian officials and some international observers have welcomed the decision.

Updated 2026-10-17

Claims

Confirmed by primary source: President Donald Trump issued a decree waiving the application of sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act.
Confirmed by primary source: President Donald Trump stated that waiving the Graham Act sanctions is in the national interests of the United States.
Confirmed by primary source: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the easing of Russian diesel sanctions, calling it a major setback for Kyiv.
Confirmed by primary source: A Russian presidential envoy described the waiver of sanctions under the Graham Act as a "historic moment".
Single source: Foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad stated that the waiving of sanctions under the Lindsey O. Graham Act is a "big relief" for India.
Single source: The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) reported that the US waiver of tariffs on Russian oil provides temporary relief to India but lacks lasting certainty.
Confirmed by primary source: The US Treasury Department extended a sanctions waiver allowing the Russian oil company Lukoil to keep its service stations outside the Russian Federation open until April 24, 2027.
Single source: The US administration is considering easing sanctions on 'shadow fleet' vessels used to transport oil from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to reduce costs.
Single source: Twenty-two US lawmakers urged President Trump to fully enforce Russia sanctions and revoke the license allowing Russian diesel transactions by October 18.
Single source: A bipartisan group of 12 senators urged President Trump to reverse the decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
Confirmed by primary source: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US administration has the legal authority to import Russian diesel and that no Congressional bills, including the Lindsey Graham bill, prohibit it.
Confirmed by primary source: President Donald Trump announced a deal to lift sanctions on Russian diesel to lower energy costs before midterm elections.
Confirmed by primary source: Germany announced it would maintain sanctions against Russia despite the US decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel.

Timeline

2026-10-17 Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomes the sanctions waiver as a "historic moment".
2026-10-17 President Trump signs an executive order pausing a sweeping new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy.
2026-10-17 President Zelenskyy urges supporters to defend the new US sanctions after Trump's pause.
2026-10-17 President Trump waives 100% tariffs on main buyers of Russian energy under the Graham Act.
2026-10-17 President Trump issues a decree waiving sanctions and restrictions provided for in the Graham Act.
2026-10-17 US Treasury extends sanctions waiver for Lukoil service stations until 2027.
2026-10-16 Twenty-two US lawmakers demand full enforcement of sanctions by October 18.
2026-10-14 Bipartisan group of 12 senators urges Trump to reverse the diesel deal.
2026-10-11 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asserts legal authority to import Russian diesel despite the Graham bill.
2026-10-10 President Trump announces a deal to ease sanctions on Russian diesel to lower energy costs.

Donald Trump waives Graham Act sanctions on Russia

Claims

Timeline

Sources