Trump Signs Order Waiving Newly Passed Russia Sanctions, Shelving Tariffs of Up to 100% on Buyers of Russian Oil and Gas

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday, 16 October 2026, waiving Russia sanctions that Congress had passed, citing the US "national interest". Al Jazeera reports that the order, issued days before the measures were due to take effect, shelves tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil or gas, including China and India, and penalties on buyers. The waiver lasts until the administration judges further action appropriate. Donya-e-Eqtesad also reported the suspension.

Earlier this month the US waived sanctions on Russian diesel sales until April 2027; Trump said 300,000 tonnes would be supplied immediately and 500,000 tonnes in November. EU economy chief Valdis Dombrovskis called those volumes of no macroeconomic significance. Ukraine's Zelenskyy called the deal "a gift" to Putin. An economist at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies estimated Russia's government benefits most, because its oil no longer needs deeper discounts.