President Donald Trump exercised his presidential authority on Friday night to pause a number of sanctions that Congress had recently approved to punish Russia for its war in Ukraine. The action coincides with the activation of a new U.S. law, formally named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, which was signed by Trump in September and scheduled to take effect on 18 October.
What the law intended
The Graham‑named legislation was designed to hit Russia’s economy hard. It grants the president the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 % on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas – a list that includes China and India – and to sanction Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior officials, banks, and the “shadow fleet” of tankers used to evade existing restrictions.
Trump’s executive order
In his executive order, Trump argued that withholding some of the sanctions serves the United States’ national interests. The order does not repeal the law; rather, it delays the enforcement of certain measures while the administration reviews their impact.
Political reaction
A bipartisan group of 20 lawmakers sent a letter urging Trump to honor the law fully and promptly, describing the sanctions as “decisive in forcing Putin to take peace talks seriously.” Conversely, Democrats such as Virginia Congressman Don Beyer condemned the move as a “surrender to Putin,” accusing the president of turning his back on Kyiv and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Related diplomatic moves
Earlier in October, Trump announced a phone call with Putin and a plan to import Russian diesel, a decision he said would help lower U.S. energy prices ahead of the November mid‑term elections. The diesel deal drew criticism from U.S. allies, who feared it could bolster Russia’s war effort. Zelensky called the arrangement a “gift to Putin” and an “investment in a war that must be ended.”
Energy cease‑fire claim
On 11 October, Trump claimed that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an “energy cease‑fire,” though neither side provided details. Zelensky expressed surprise, stating Kyiv would halt strikes only if Russia did the same, but Moscow denied any agreement and continued attacks. After three days, Kyiv resumed its strikes, prompting Trump to label the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries a “disgrace.”
Impact on Ukrainian communications
In the same week, the United States placed restrictions on the Starlink internet network, which Ukraine relies on for military communications. Ukrainian officials described the slowdown as a “very dangerous and unpleasant surprise,” noting that full service had not yet been restored.
Key points to watch
- Implementation timeline: The Graham law is set to become active on 18 October, but the extent of its enforcement remains uncertain.
- Tariff targets: China and India are among the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas that could face up to 100 % tariffs.
- Political pressure: Lawmakers from both parties are urging the president to apply the sanctions “to their fullest extent and without delay.”
- International response: Allies in Europe have criticized the diesel import deal and remain vigilant about any actions that might aid Russia’s war effort.
As the new sanctions law prepares to take effect, the United States faces a balancing act between imposing economic pressure on Moscow and managing domestic concerns over energy prices. The administration’s next steps will reveal how closely it aligns with congressional intent and the expectations of Ukraine’s allies.