Trump waives planned Russia sanctions and energy tariffs: Officials say

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Diesel prices drive a policy shift
When you fill up your vehicle, rising fuel costs can quickly strain your budget. Diesel prices also affect trucking, farming, and the delivery of everyday goods. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on October 16 waiving sanctions, restrictions and tariffs created by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The action followed a separate October 9 agreement Trump announced with Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase Russian diesel supplies to U.S. and global markets in an effort to lower fuel prices. Together, the moves mark a shift in Washington’s approach to Russian energy trade and raise questions about how the United States will balance fuel costs with economic pressure on Moscow. Depositphotos
A tariff blocked before its start
Trump’s October 16 executive order waived tariffs that could have taken effect beginning Sunday, October 18, under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The law provided for additional 100% tariffs on goods from the 5 largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas if those countries knowingly made new purchases beginning October 18. The order also waived similar tariffs targeting the 5 leading facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion. Trump submitted the required national-interest certification and an accompanying report to Congress, allowing the administration to suspend these penalties while continuing to monitor Russian energy purchases. Joshua Sukoff/Shutterstock.com
The law behind the sanctions
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow and restrict activities that could support Russia’s war in Ukraine. Signed into law on September 18, the legislation included additional tariffs on certain Russian goods and on goods from major purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. The law was named after the late Republican senator from South Carolina, a longtime advocate of stronger sanctions on Russia and an ally of President Donald Trump. Graham died unexpectedly in July 2026 at age 71. Trump’s October 16 executive order waived major sanctions, restrictions, and tariffs provided for under the legislation. Depositphotos
A plan to increase diesel supplies
Trump announced on October 9 that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets, followed by another 500,000 metric tons in November and 1 million metric tons thereafter. The agreement was presented as an effort to increase available supplies and help reduce high diesel prices. As of October 23, the first tanker under the agreement had loaded about 40,000 metric tons of ultra-low-sulfur diesel at Russia’s port of Primorsk and was heading toward New York, with an expected arrival in early November. Whether the broader agreement produces meaningful price relief will depend on the amount of fuel ultimately delivered and wider market conditions. Fun fact: Diesel fuel generally contains more energy per gallon than gasoline, which is one reason it is well suited to demanding transportation and heavy-equipment uses. BeritKessler/Depositphotos
Diesel costs remain a major concern
Diesel prices affect more than the cost of filling a truck’s tank. Trucks move groceries, building materials, clothing, and many other products across the country. Farmers also rely on diesel for tractors and other equipment, making fuel costs an important part of food production. According to AAA, the national average diesel price was approximately $6.34 per gallon on October 24, 2026, compared with approximately $3.64 per gallon one year earlier.

The roughly $2.70-per-gallon year-over-year increase highlights the pressure facing diesel users. Fun fact: The American Automobile Association (AAA) tracks national and state average fuel prices, including diesel, to help drivers follow changes at the pump. Depositphotos
More Russian tariffs put on hold
The executive order did more than waive the planned 100% tariffs on goods from the 5 largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. It also waived a planned 500% additional duty on goods from Russia and 100% duties on goods from the top 5 facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion. The waivers remain in effect until the president or the secretary of state, in consultation with other specified officials as appropriate, determines that further action is warranted. U.S. officials are also directed to monitor purchases of Russian crude oil and natural gas and activity that facilitates sanctions evasion. Ale_Mi/Depositphotos
Moscow welcomes the decision
Russia responded positively to the American policy shift. Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and an envoy to President Vladimir Putin, praised the suspension on Saturday. He shared his reaction through the social media platform X, describing the move as an important moment for relations between the two countries. Dmitriev argued that economic cooperation could benefit both nations. His comments also presented closer business ties as a way to support global economic stability. Moscow’s response showed its approval of the decision to ease the planned penalties. Depositphotos
Russia points to economic cooperation
In his message on X, Dmitriev said economic cooperation between Russia and the United States serves both countries’ interests. He also argued that stronger economic ties could help support stability in global markets. His remarks framed energy trade as an opportunity for the two nations to rebuild trust. Dmitriev further linked cooperation to the goal of lasting peace. Those statements reflect Moscow’s position on the policy change, rather than an established outcome. Whether closer trade produces wider diplomatic progress remains uncertain. Oleksandr_Gusev/Depositphotos
Kyiv criticizes the American move
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized the decision to suspend the sanctions-related penalties. He expressed frustration on Saturday, arguing that the Graham Act could have increased pressure on Russia to end the war. His response came as Ukraine continued facing Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy said the policy change weakened a measure that could have helped Ukraine. He also urged supporters of the law to keep speaking up. His remarks highlighted the gap between Kyiv’s priorities and Washington’s immediate focus on fuel supplies. Depositphotos
Ukraine warns about lost pressure
Zelenskyy’s criticism centered on the timing of the American decision. He pointed to a major Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy sector and argued that pressure on Moscow remained important. From Kyiv’s perspective, strong economic penalties could help encourage Russia to bring the conflict to an end.

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The Ukrainian leader also suggested that the Graham Act could still play a useful role if properly enforced. His comments made clear that Ukraine wants the United States to maintain stronger economic pressure rather than relax key restrictions. Depositphotos
Refineries remain part of the debate
Trump’s decision also follows earlier comments about Ukrainian strikes on Russian fuel-processing plants. On October 10, he told reporters that he had warned against attacks on refineries. He argued that disruptions to fuel production could create wider problems for energy markets around the world. His remarks connected the war in Ukraine to the costs faced by American consumers. They also showed the administration’s concern that damage to Russian refining capacity could reduce fuel supplies and add pressure to diesel prices. Depositphotos
Farmers and ranchers face fuel risks
Trump specifically mentioned American farmers and ranchers when explaining his concerns about attacks on Russian refineries. Diesel is essential for many farm operations, including running tractors, harvesting equipment, and vehicles that transport crops. Higher fuel costs can add to the expenses of producing food and moving it to market. Those costs may affect businesses throughout the supply chain. If diesel prices remain high, farmers, truckers, and other fuel-dependent industries could face tighter budgets. The administration’s policy shift reflects its stated concern about these wider economic effects. Could Trump’s diesel deal with Russia create more problems with his own party? Find out why Republicans are pushing back against the deal. Mercatec/Depositphotos
Lower prices remain the key question
The suspension of tariffs creates a new approach to Russian energy trade, but its impact on American fuel prices remains uncertain. Additional diesel supplies could help ease market pressure if shipments increase the amount of fuel available to buyers. Prices will also depend on demand, transportation costs, and other changes in global energy markets. The decision has drawn praise from Moscow and criticism from Kyiv. For Americans, the main question is whether the policy will deliver meaningful relief at the pump while the war and its wider economic effects continue. Could tensions in the Strait of Hormuz change Washington’s approach to Russian oil again? Discover why the U.S. previously allowed a Russian oil sanctions waiver to expire. Should the U.S. focus more on affordable fuel or keeping sanctions on Russia? Leave a comment and give this post a thumbs up. This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing. Read More From This Brand:

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