Trump waives Russia sanctions as new US law takes effect

Trump signed the Graham Bill into law in September, according to CNBC. The legislation targeted Russia over its invasion of Ukraine through broad sanctions and tariffs.

The purpose was to punish Moscow for its war against Ukraine, BBC News reported. But as the law took effect, Trump said parts of it ran against US national interests.

Late Friday, October 16, President Trump waived the new sanctions, according to Axios. He cited the "national interests" in holding off on the sweeping levies under the Graham Act, which he had signed the previous month.

By October 17, BBC News reported that several Russia sanctions had been waived as the new law took effect. CNBC described the decision as covering broad new sanctions and tariffs. The supplied coverage does not identify every provision affected.

Putin's envoy welcomed the move as a "historic moment," The Hindu reported on October 17. Times of India also reported the envoy's praise for the suspension.

That response was not yet a direct reaction from Putin or the Kremlin. The Hindu reported that neither had responded, while also reporting that Putin had appeared in military uniform and said Moscow intended to seize the rest of eastern Ukraine.

The immediate result is that Trump has withheld several measures intended to increase pressure on Russia. The coverage describes a waiver of sanctions and tariffs, not the repeal of the Graham Act.

The effects extend beyond Russia. Indian Express described the waiver as relief for India's oil imports, while cautioning that the US still retained leverage. The supplied reporting does not specify how long that relief will last.

The main unresolved details are which provisions remain in force and how long the waivers will apply. The available coverage does not provide a complete list of exemptions or a timetable for reconsidering them.

A direct response from Putin or the Kremlin also remained outstanding in The Hindu's report. The envoy's praise showed Russian approval, but did not settle how Moscow would formally respond.