Trump Eases Russia Sanctions Amid Energy and Trade Talks

President Donald Trump waived newly mandated Russia-focused sanctions under the Graham Act shortly before they were due to take effect, including measures targeting Russia’s oil sector; the waiver leaves existing sanctions in place and gives him authority to reinstate the measures. The administration cited U.S. national interests, energy supplies and negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio also pointed to global fuel needs and a near-final U.S.-India trade agreement. Separately, a Treasury license allows Russian diesel imports through April 2027, following an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia to supply diesel to global markets; the administration said the deal could lower costs for U.S. farmers, truckers and families. Ukrainian officials and lawmakers from both parties criticized easing pressure, arguing it could help finance Russia’s war and weaken Ukraine’s position; the Kremlin welcomed the move and called for greater economic cooperation. Trump blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure for worsening fuel-market problems, while the war and negotiations remained deadlocked and attacks continued; reports said Putin proposed a summit with Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, but no agreement to hold one was established.