Volodymyr Zelensky’s warning went unheeded. A day before Congress’s tough new Russia sanctions were due to bite, Donald Trump shelved most of them — handing Moscow breathing room and Kyiv a fresh reason for alarm.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, signed last month, would have imposed tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude and gas, plus sanctions on Russian officials, banks and the shadow tanker fleet. On Friday, Mr Trump waived the bulk of it, certifying to Congress that the waiver served America’s national interest, according to Reuters’ reporting.
Kyiv’s fear: fuel money for the war
Mr Zelensky has argued that renewed fuel sales would hand Moscow fresh money for its war — a war now in its fifth year. The waiver lands as Mr Trump warms publicly toward the Kremlin while suggesting Ukraine needs a new leader, a remark that drew fury in Kyiv.
Countries such as India, among the biggest buyers of Russian oil, had raised concerns about the bill, Reuters reported. And with oil markets already rattled by attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, analysts said the new duties risked pushing fuel costs higher weeks before the midterms — even as Washington weighs new Iran strike options.
What survives
Sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders remain in place, and the US trade representative must now track Russian energy buyers and report back on whether the waivers should change. For Moscow, though, the immediate message is unmistakable: the toughest new pressure Congress could muster will not be applied — not now, and not before Americans vote.
The waiver will remain in effect until Mr Trump or his top officials determine that further action is appropriate. For Kyiv, the decision is another signal of where Washington’s priorities lie — and another reason to look elsewhere for leverage.
