What happened
President Donald Trump on Friday waived a sweeping set of new sanctions on Russia that Congress had passed, according to NBC News. In an executive order, Trump argued that the move "is in the national interests of the United States."
Trump signed the legislation just last month. The bill is named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. It aimed at Russia's largest buyers of oil and gas and would let the president impose tariffs on goods from those countries, which NBC News said may include China and India. Passed with bipartisan support, it was meant to squeeze Russia's revenue as the country continues its war against Ukraine.
The waiver follows an announcement last week of a deal between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Under it, hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel fuel would be released onto the global market as fuel prices soar.
Zelenskyy: a reward for Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that lifting the sanctions was "wrong" and "only helps the Russians." In a Telegram post, he decried what he called an "American sanctions blackout." He said a weakening of pressure on the aggressor, "effectively serving as a financial reward for Putin—only encourages him to continue his attacks."
In WhatsApp messages to journalists, Zelenskyy said, "It seems to me that this won't stop Putin." He added: "On the contrary, he feels joy and happiness that there is such support."
Zelenskyy also thanked the Democrats and Republicans who backed the legislation and praised Graham for his long, vocal support for Ukraine. "It's difficult without him, I'll say frankly," he said.
Criticism from Congress
The decision drew swift condemnation on Capitol Hill, including from Trump's own party. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., who is running for re-election in a competitive district, said on Fox News that he does not support the move. He said he understands the need to lower oil and diesel prices, "but not at the expense of putting money in the pocket of Vladimir Putin."
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said on Fox News that the decision "was a mistake." He said the president is "understandably" focused on diesel prices but that "there are other ways to address gas and diesel prices." Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, who also faces a re-election battle, said he does not agree with the waiver. NBC News reported that he quickly shifted to acknowledge Trump's support for Alaska energy.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who is retiring at the end of his term, called the move "beyond irresponsible" on X. He asked what part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate the administration did not understand. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a staunch Ukraine ally who is not seeking re-election, said "the president is prolonging the war, not ending it." Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., called the action "craven, cowardly" in a statement.
Politics, prices and the legal process
NBC News reported that Trump has expressed frustration with Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure and has blamed them for rising fuel costs. According to the outlet, he has downplayed the effect of the Iran war on the oil market. Diesel prices have shot up almost 70% since that war began in February, and the waiver comes less than three weeks before the midterm elections, with cost of living a top issue for voters.
Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., co-sponsored the bill named for her late brother and has promoted it as part of her campaign for a full term in his seat. NBC News said she is a fierce Trump ally, whose endorsement was critical in her primary win, and that she has not yet criticized the president over the Russian oil deal or the waiver.
The law requires the administration to submit an unclassified report to Congress explaining its basis before waiving the sanctions. In his executive order, Trump said the White House has sent that report to Capitol Hill. Many Democrats had opposed the bill because it granted the president new tariff powers, NBC News noted, even though strong majorities in both chambers passed it.
