From TIME · Rebecca Schneid · · 2m
Trump Waives Russia Sanctions, Deepens Ukraine Tensions
Trump’s sanctions waiver for Russia risks worsening U.S.-Ukraine relations amid diesel deal claims.
In brief
Trump’s sanctions waiver for Russia risks worsening U.S.-Ukraine relations amid diesel deal claims. Trump waived new Russia sanctions to ease diesel prices but deepened Ukraine tensions with U.S. Originally reported by TIME.
Trump Signs Sanctions Waiver
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday that waives many sanctions in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
Waiver Follows Diesel Deal
The waiver came a week after Trump announced a diesel deal with Russia, underscoring fraying U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Sanctions Law Details
The law, set to take effect Oct. 18, targeted Russian officials, financial institutions, and imposed up to 100% tariffs on goods from major Russian oil buyers.
U.K. Sanctions Estimate
The U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office estimated international sanctions deprived Russia of at least $450 billion in war funds since February 2022.
Trump Pushes Ukraine to Halt Strikes
Trump urged Ukraine to scale back attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, claiming those strikes drive up U.S. fuel prices.
Ukraine Rejects Trump’s Claim
Ukraine reported Russian strikes on energy infrastructure hours after Trump claimed Russia and Ukraine agreed to an 'energy ceasefire'.
Trump Calls for Zelensky Replacement
Trump called for Ukraine to replace President Volodymyr Zelensky, further straining U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Experts Question Deal Impact
Experts say the diesel deal may have only a modest short-term effect on wholesale prices, with minimal consumer benefits.
Sanctions Waiver Blocks New Pressure
The waiver blocks additional pressure the new sanctions were intended to exert on Russia’s war funding.
Zelensky Criticizes Waiver
Zelensky wrote the waiver 'seems wrong' and 'definitely helps only the Russians' by fueling their war efforts.
U.S. Withdraws Support for Ukraine
Analysts say the waiver signals U.S. withdrawal from active European leadership, diminishing support for Ukraine.
Trump Waives Sanctions via Safety Valve
Trump used a safety valve provision in the law to waive sanctions after submitting a certification to Congress that it was in the national interest.
The key point
Trump waived new Russia sanctions to ease diesel prices but deepened Ukraine tensions with U.S.
