Trump halts Russian sanctions package, citing national interest

What happened

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday putting on hold a sweeping sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, citing national security concerns. The move came days before the sanctions were to take effect and triggered immediate outrage from members of Congress from both parties, who had passed the legislation in an 86–11 Senate vote as a bipartisan show of support for Ukraine. The bill, known as the Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act, was designed to impose steep tariffs on countries importing large amounts of Russian oil and energy products. Trump recently announced a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import fuel to the US in an effort to reduce high gas prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Republican and Democratic senators condemned the decision. Senator Thom Tillis called it "beyond irresponsible" and "unconscionable" capitulation to a Russian dictator. Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump's deal "keeps getting dirtier", while Senator Elizabeth Warren urged colleagues to take action to reverse course. Representative Gregory Meeks, who had warned Trump would flout the law, introduced legislation to block the diesel deal with Putin. Trump said he was waiving the sanctions indefinitely. Congress is currently on recess until after Election Day, making immediate action unlikely.

Why it matters

New Zealand has deployed up to 70 Defence Force personnel to train Ukrainian soldiers and provide logistical support through 2028 (announced 2026-09-08). Trump's suspension of sanctions undermines the international pressure on Russia that New Zealand and other nations have backed, coming as Russia continues to intensify attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians heading into winter. On 2026-10-12, Trump claimed a Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire, but Ukraine reported Russian strikes on energy sites continued within hours—this latest move to waive sanctions signals escalating US alignment with Russia at Ukraine's expense.

Follow the whole thread: Russia-Ukraine war 2026

Key facts

• Senate passed the bill 86–11 before Trump took office
• Trump announced diesel imports from Russia to lower US gas prices
• Midterm elections scheduled for November 3
• Trump cited national security concerns for the waiver
• Congress on recess until after Election Day

What happens next

Congress could introduce legislation to reverse Trump's waiver once lawmakers return to Washington after Election Day on November 3, though immediate action is unlikely while both chambers are in recess.

Primary source: Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act

Covered byStuff1NewsOtago Daily TimesNot covered byRNZNZ HeraldNewstalk ZBNewsroomThe SpinoffBusinessDeskinterest.co.nz

Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.

Where the outlets differ

1News provides the full context of Trump's reasoning (diesel deal for gas prices) and the detailed congressional reaction across both parties, while Stuff's excerpt focuses narrowly on the executive order itself and the national interest claim, and Otago Daily Times highlights only Zelenskyy's response.

What outlets are saying