Trump blocks new Russia sanctions days before they take effect
President Trump has issued an order suspending new legislation designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow, citing national interests. The decision comes amid concerns over global oil prices and follows related tensions regarding energy exports and Ukraine.
Legislation designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine has been blocked by President Trump just days before it was scheduled to take effect. The measures targeted Russian officials, financial institutions, and a shadow fleet of tankers used to transport oil despite Western restrictions, while also authorizing tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods imported from major purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas.
The restrictions were set to take effect on Sunday, 18 October, but Trump’s order suspends their implementation until the administration determines that further action is appropriate. In the order, Trump stated that he submitted a certification to Congress indicating that issuing the waiver is in the national interests of the United States. The decision arose amid concerns that additional restrictions on Russian energy exports could drive global oil prices higher ahead of November’s US midterm elections, with energy costs already having risen sharply amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Kirill Dmitriev, an investment envoy for Russian President Vladimir Putin, welcomed the move and described the suspension as an important and truly historic moment. Conversely, Democratic Representative Don Beyer accused Trump of undermining congressional efforts, stating in Washington that the action betrays Ukrainian partners and defies congressional intent.
The suspension follows an earlier decision by Washington to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports, a move that drew criticism from a bipartisan group of US senators and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Relations between Washington and Kyiv have faced additional strain over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, which Trump criticized after a proposed energy ceasefire collapsed. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported disruptions to satellite communications used for drone operations, though Trump has denied personally ordering restrictions on the Starshield system or halting intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
