Susanna Riva President Donald Trump issued, just days before it took effect, an executive order lifting the sanctions and tariffs against Russia under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The measure, signed in mid-September, provided for duties of up to 100% on goods from major Russian oil importers and penalties for those purchasing energy from the Kremlin.
The executive branch says the suspension is in the “national interest” of the United States.
The regulatory context and the scope of the provision
The law, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was to take effect within 30 days of passage, imposing maximum tariffs on all goods from the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil and gas, as well as on countries that unwittingly facilitated the sanctions.
Trump's order rescinds these provisions, stating that the certification has been sent to Congress and that the waiver will remain in effect until the administration deems further action necessary.
Political reactions in the United States
The measure immediately sparked outrage among members of Congress. Democratic Representative Don Beyer called the decision a "gift" to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing Trump of betraying his Ukrainian allies.
Other Republican voices criticized the move for its potential effects on the global economy, especially at a time when fuel prices are already under pressure due to the conflict in Iran and the US midterm elections.
Criticisms from Congress
Some senators recalled that the law was intended to "punish Russia for its war of aggression " and emphasized that the presidential power to lift sanctions was deliberately inserted to allow for rapid adjustments, not to circumvent the legislative intent. The debate intensified in the House of Representatives, where Democrats called for an investigation into the administration's contact with the Russian energy company over the diesel pact.
International protests: China, India and Europe
China and India, among the largest buyers of Russian energy, have expressed concern about the implications of the original sanctions and the new American shift. Beijing denounced the "long-range jurisdiction" as unfounded in international law, while New Delhi warned that the tariffs could damage bilateral relations. Meanwhile, the European Commission has been closely monitoring developments, fearing a potential negative impact on international trade flows.
Speech by Finnish Minister Elina Valtonen
At a forum in Singapore on October 13, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen condemned the American decision, calling it "a misguided idea fueling Russia's imperial war machine." Valtonen called on the United States, as the "leader of the free world," to support Ukraine and proposed restricting tourist visas for Russian citizens until the end of the conflict. She also emphasized the need for stronger EU action against Moscow's hybrid war against Europe.
The debate remains open and the consequences of this waiver could be reflected both on global energy markets and on diplomatic relations between Washington, Moscow and their main Western allies.