President Trump has used an executive order to block several Russia sanctions passed by Congress, citing US national interests, just as the law was set to take effect.
01Summary
- 01Trump issued an executive order on Friday night to withhold some sanctions on Russia, saying it is in US 'national interests'.
- 02The sanctions law, named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was signed by Trump in September and was due to take effect on Sunday.
- 03The law gives Trump broad powers to levy tariffs of up to 100% on top purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India.
- 04Twenty bipartisan lawmakers wrote to Trump on Thursday urging 'full and faithful implementation' of the sanctions law.
- 05Last week Trump announced a deal to import Russian diesel, which Ukrainian President Zelensky called 'an investment in a war that must be ended'.
02Why it matters
This move could weaken Western pressure on Russia over the Ukraine war, while also affecting global energy markets and US fuel prices ahead of November's midterm elections.
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