Trump Waives Russia Sanctions Despite Bipartisan Congressional Push

The “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” a bipartisan measure, sought to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas. The late Senator Lindsey Graham backed the bill; Democrat Richard Blumenthal co-drafted it.

Trump signed the legislation last month. Its passage through Congress marked a rare act of bipartisan agreement. Senator Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, appointed to serve out the remaining months of his term, now runs to replace him permanently.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers urged Trump to execute the sanctions authorities included in the legislation. Trump, however, stated that withholding some sanctions served US "national interests."

The sanctions package aimed to target Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers. The legislation would also apply to any country that knowingly bought oil or gas 30 days after the law’s enactment or ranked among the top five countries helping Russia evade sanctions.

The President’s decision follows his announcement a week prior. The US agreed to buy diesel from Russia, an effort to bring down global energy prices. Critics warn this deal will fund Russia’s war machine.

A dozen US senators, including six Republicans, called on Trump to rescind his diesel deal. Trump made these comments as he left the White House for a campaign rally in Georgia.

Trump has warmed toward Russia. He publicly criticises Volodymyr Zelensky, even suggesting Ukraine needs a new leader. During a visit to London earlier this week, Zelensky accused Trump of betraying his country by limiting its use of US-made Starlink terminals, vital for the Ukrainian military.

Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that Trump of betraying his country by limiting its use of US-made Starlink terminals, vital for the Ukrainian military.

Trump also denied US responsibility for disrupting Kyiv’s access to the vital Starlink satellite communications system. This disruption left the country exposed to attack amid a spat with Washington. His administration is suspected of withholding intelligence from Ukraine on incoming Russian ballistic missile strikes and of throttling Starshield, the military version of the Starlink satellite internet network, to prevent its use on drones flying faster than 100mph (161km/h).

Trump increasingly blames Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries for the spike in energy costs. He attributes the rise to these attacks, not to the interruption of oil supplies in the Middle East through the Strait of Hormuz waterway. He announced last weekend that Ukraine and Russia had agreed not to target each other’s energy facilities.

After initially respecting the ceasefire, Zelensky reportedly abandoned the brief truce amid continued Russian attacks. This drew criticism from the American leader. Zelensky attended a summit in Brussels on Friday.