Trump puts new Russia sanctions on hold days before the law takes effect

In an executive order on Friday, President Donald Trump said withholding the sanctions was in the US national interest. He signed the bill into law in September, and it was due to take effect on Oct 18.

What the law covers

• Vladimir Putin and senior officials
• Russian banks
• The shadow fleet of oil tankers
• Tariffs of up to 100% on top buyers

Named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the law targets Russia's economy to push Moscow toward ending its war on Ukraine.

Russian diesel to be supplied at once

300,000+ tons

The pause comes a week after Trump said the US would buy Russian diesel: more than 300,000 tons at once, 500,000 tons in November and one million tons after that.

These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, and everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin.

— Senator Richard Blumenthal, co-author of the bill

What's next

The decision drew criticism from both parties ahead of the Nov 3 midterm elections, and the White House did not immediately explain it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the diesel deal a gift to Putin.