US President Donald Trump has blocked numerous sanctions on Russia via executive order, declaring the measures contrary to American national interests just hours before the new law was scheduled to take effect.
The move reverses a bill signed into law in September, which Congress passed to punish Moscow for its ongoing war against Ukraine. The legislation, named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, targeted Russia’s economic lifelines. It authorized tariffs of up to 100% on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, specifically naming China and India. The law also sanctioned President Vladimir Putin, senior Russian officials, and the “shadow fleet” of tankers used to evade previous restrictions.
Bipartisan Lawmakers Demand Full Implementation
Twenty US lawmakers from both parties issued a joint letter on Thursday urging Trump to respect the congressional intent behind the bill. They argued that full implementation would force Putin to take peace negotiations seriously. Virginia Congressman Don Beyer criticized the presidential override, accusing Trump of capitulating to Moscow and betraying Kyiv. “Trump’s latest surrender to Putin again betrays our Ukrainian partners,” Beyer wrote on social media. The backlash intensified after Trump announced plans to import Russian diesel to lower US energy prices ahead of the November midterm elections. Lawmakers expressed shock at the decision, fearing it would provide financial aid to the Russian war effort.
Tensions Escalate Amidst Energy Ceasefire Claims
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the diesel deal as an “investment in a war that must be ended.” Tensions remain high following a disputed “energy ceasefire” announced by Trump on October 11. Moscow denied agreeing to the truce and continued its attacks, prompting Kyiv to resume strikes on Russian oil refineries after three days. Trump labeled these strikes a “disgrace,” while Zelensky stated he was merely defending Ukraine’s interests. The situation worsened when restrictions were placed on Starlink internet services, a critical tool for Ukrainian defenses. During a network slowdown on Tuesday, Russia launched deadly strikes without warning. Zelensky called the disruption a “very dangerous and unpleasant surprise.” The Trump administration has previously threatened to withhold intelligence sharing if Kyiv continues targeting Russian energy infrastructure. European allies, including Britain, France, and Germany, are preparing for a major military exercise in Poland to support Ukraine’s post-war rebuilding.
Source: BBC World
This article was compiled by the IndiaBBCNews editorial system from verified international news sources. Facts have been independently reviewed. Original reporting: BBC World.
