Trump waives new Russia tariffs days before sanctions take effect
What's new: the order blocks tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods and up to 100% on top buyers of Russian oil and gas.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order late Friday waiving core parts of a new U.S. sanctions law targeting Russia, just two days before the measures were due to take effect. The waiver halts planned duties of up to 500% on Russian imports and up to 100% tariffs on countries including China and India that buy large volumes of Russian crude or gas. Trump wrote that he certified the waiver as being in the national interest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the move, saying it would help Russia and weaken pressure over Moscow's war in Ukraine. The law, enacted in September and backed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, still leaves earlier Russia sanctions in place.