Chiara Nava Donald Trump is blocking the implementation of new economic measures against Russia , provided for by a law approved by the US Congress and signed by the president himself. With an executive order issued by the White House on October 16, the president granted a waiver of the sanctions , arguing that the decision is in the national interest of the United States.
The measure comes just days before the measures are due to come into force, scheduled for October 18, and is part of a phase of intense diplomatic and commercial activity by the US administration regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
Tariffs of up to 500% and measures against buyers of Russian energy
The package of measures , contained in the Lindsey O.
Graham's Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 , which provided for a 500% increase in tariffs on goods from the Russian Federation , with some exceptions, also imposed an additional 100% tariff on products imported from the five main buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas if they made new purchases starting October 18.
Further tariffs could have targeted the five countries identified as the main facilitators of sanctions evasion on Russian oil. The aim was to increase economic pressure on Moscow and discourage states that continue to support energy trade with Russia.
The law passed with bipartisan support, including both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Trump's executive order, however, includes a clause that allows the president to waive the measures , subject to a written certification to Congress that it is in the national interest. The waiver concerns the provisions of the law and does not amount to a permanent repeal of the legislation.
The decision comes within the framework of relations between Washington, Moscow and Kiev
The suspension comes after a week marked by several Trump initiatives related to the war in Ukraine and the energy market . In the previous days, the president had announced a deal to purchase Russian diesel fuel, citing the need to contain fuel prices in the United States as a reason for his decisions. The administration's moves have drawn criticism from political figures who believe they could weaken international pressure on Vladimir Putin's government.
The energy issue takes on particular weight in view of the midterm elections in November , in a context marked by concerns about the cost of living and fuel prices.
At the same time, issues surrounding American support for Ukraine remain unresolved . Among these is the controversy surrounding the use of Starlink by Ukrainian forces for communications and the control of military drones: Ukrainian authorities had reported limitations on the service, while the circumstances and responsibilities surrounding the restrictions remained unclear.
The decision to suspend the new measures against Russia therefore marks a significant shift in Washington's policy. The concrete effect of the waiver will also depend on subsequent decisions from the White House and the evolution of diplomatic relations between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine.