Trump Lifts Some Sanctions, Restrictions and Tariffs Imposed on Russia

US President Donald Trump issued an exemption for Russia from many sanctions, restrictions, and tariffs on Friday, just days before they were set to take effect under a law he signed last month.

The executive order comes at a time when Trump has shown rapprochement with Russia and publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, including hinting that Ukraine needs a new leader.

The legislation, which the late Senator Lindsey Graham was a prominent supporter of in Congress, would have imposed tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on all goods entering the United States from the top five countries importing Russian crude oil or gas.

The legislation also applies to any country that knowingly purchases oil or gas after 30 days of the law's enactment or is among the top five countries helping Russia evade sanctions.

Trump signed the "Lindsey O. Graham" Act to punish Russia and Iran for 2026 in mid-September, according to Reuters.

Trump said in the order issued by the White House: "I have provided to Congress a certification that issuing this exemption at this time serves the national interests of the United States."

Countries such as India, the largest buyer of Russian oil, raised concerns about the draft sanctions bill against Russia.