Donald Trump has decided to suspend the sweeping new Russia sanctions approved by Congress, signing an executive order on Friday stating that the move “is in the national interest of the United States.”
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The American president had signed the related legislation just last month — a bill named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, targeted the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, aiming to cut off Moscow’s revenues while the war in Ukraine continues.
According to NBC, the suspension of the sanctions gives Russia significant economic relief by preserving its ability to continue energy exports.
Trump’s decision comes on the heels of a deal announced last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, involving the release of hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel onto the global market — at a time when fuel prices are already on the rise.
Trump has also voiced his frustration over Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, blaming Ukraine for contributing to rising fuel costs. At the same time, he has downplayed the impact of the war in Iran on global oil markets.
The decision to lift the sanctions against Russia drew immediate condemnation from congressional critics. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut called the move “a craven, cowardly act” in a statement, as reported by NBC.
