Washington: US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to suspend the implementation of major new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia and key buyers of Russian energy, arguing that additional economic pressure could undermine negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Trump’s latest explanation came two days after he signed an executive order waiving major provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation included provisions for steep tariffs that could have affected India because of its purchases of Russian oil.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said his administration was working towards a negotiated settlement and warned against taking steps that could push Moscow away from discussions.
“I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table,” Trump wrote.
The decision has renewed debate in Washington over whether easing the proposed economic measures will help diplomatic efforts or weaken the United States’ leverage over Russia as the conflict continues.
Trump Links Sanctions Decision to Ukraine Peace Efforts
Trump argued that imposing additional economic penalties at this stage could complicate efforts to secure a settlement between Russia and Ukraine.
He also linked the decision to developments involving Iran and international energy markets. According to Trump, Russia was providing less assistance to Iran than it potentially could, and he wanted to avoid taking action that might change the situation.
The US President also criticised Ukrainian attacks on Russian diesel refineries, arguing that disruptions to fuel supplies were affecting consumers and businesses internationally.
His remarks reflect the administration’s stated position that diplomatic negotiations and broader economic considerations should be weighed before introducing additional pressure on Moscow.
Executive Order Waives Additional Tariffs and Sanctions Provisions
The executive order signed on Friday provided for tariffs of 500 per cent on certain Russian goods and 100 per cent on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, subject to the conditions set out in the legislation.
However, the order also waived the application of those additional duties and most of the new sanctions provisions.
The waiver does not eliminate existing US sanctions against Russia imposed under earlier executive orders. Instead, it suspends the application of the specified additional measures under the new legislation for the time being.
The order allows the waivers to remain effective until the President or the Secretary of State, following the required consultations, determines that further action is appropriate.
India Among Countries That Could Face Additional Tariffs
The decision has particular significance for India, which has continued to purchase Russian oil. The legislation was designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow by targeting not only Russia but also major buyers of its energy exports.
Had the additional measures been applied, India could have faced higher US tariffs linked to its purchases of Russian energy. The current waiver means those additional duties are not being applied under the executive order at present.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday that the administration needed time to assess the wider economic consequences of imposing the proposed sanctions and tariffs.
Rubio specifically identified India among the countries that could be affected by the legislation. He indicated that Trump wanted to use a period of up to 60 days to evaluate the implications for the global economy and the United States before deciding on the next course of action.
The assessment reflects concerns that measures targeting major buyers of Russian energy could have consequences beyond Moscow, including effects on international trade and energy markets.
Lawmakers Question Decision to Ease Pressure on Moscow
Trump’s decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers who support stronger economic measures against Russia.
Some Republicans and Democrats have questioned whether suspending the additional sanctions would reduce Washington’s ability to pressure Moscow while the war in Ukraine continues.
Supporters of a tougher approach argue that economic restrictions are an important tool for influencing Russian policy. The administration, however, has defended the waiver as consistent with its efforts to secure a negotiated peace agreement.
Trump’s latest comments also highlight his differences with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the conduct of the war and its economic consequences.
Graham Act Gives President Waiver Authority
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, signed into law on September 18, was intended to strengthen economic pressure on Russia through sanctions, restrictions and tariffs, including measures affecting countries that purchase Russian energy.
The legislation also gave the President authority to waive specified provisions after certifying to Congress that doing so served US national interests.
Trump’s decision to exercise that authority has placed the proposed measures on hold while his administration evaluates their economic and diplomatic implications.
For India and other major purchasers of Russian energy, the waiver provides temporary relief from the additional tariffs covered by the order. Its longer-term implications will depend on the administration’s assessment and any subsequent decision on whether to activate the measures.
For now, the White House maintains that avoiding steps that could disrupt negotiations is central to its approach to ending the war in Ukraine.