Trump blocks new Russia sanctions and 100% tariffs before deadline
What's new: The waiver halts penalties on top buyers of Russian energy, including India and China, just days before the law was due to kick in.
President Donald Trump moved to block major Russia sanctions and trade penalties days before a new US law was set to take effect. In an executive order released Oct. 16, Trump waived many measures in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, saying the step serves US national interests. The law, signed in September, would have allowed tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil or gas and targeted countries accused of helping Moscow dodge sanctions. It also included sanctions on Vladimir Putin, senior Russian officials, banks and Russia's shadow fleet. The move drew pressure from a bipartisan group of 20 lawmakers who urged full enforcement of the law.