World · 2026-10-17 · Morning briefing

Trump blocks new Russia sanctions, waiving key oil tariffs

President Trump on Friday waived portions of a bipartisan law, preventing new sanctions against Russia and hefty tariffs on its oil customers from taking effect. The move, enacted via executive order, came just two days before the law's provisions were scheduled to activate on Sunday.

The blocked measures are part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, championed by the late senator. The waiver specifically halts a 100% tariff on the world's five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, a group which includes China, India, and Turkey. The president also suspended the law's 500% tariffs on other Russian goods.

The administration's stated purpose for the waivers is to ease global energy prices by tapping Russian supply. The action follows a similar move one week prior, when the president eased separate sanctions on Russian diesel.

Summary written by Cup of News with AI from the sources below. Check the originals for the full story.

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• Trump waives new Russia sanctions one week after diesel deal
• Why Trump just blocked new Russia sanctions before they started
• Trump Signs Order Exempting Russia From Sanctions Law
• Trump Waives Russia Energy Tariffs, Sanctions in Graham Law
• Trump waives new Russia sanctions passed by Congress, citing ‘national interests’

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