Trump eases Russia sanctions as Moscow hails historic move (Img: X)
Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev has welcomed the Trump administration’s decision to waive several sanctions, restrictions and duties targeting Russia, describing it as a “historic moment” that serves the interests of both countries.
In an executive order issued on Saturday, US President Donald Trump invoked a provision of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 that allows the president to waive certain measures on national interest grounds. The move comes amid a diesel-supply deal with Russia aimed at easing fuel prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
In a post on X, Dmitriev said the suspension of some provisions of the legislation “marked an important and truly historic moment”. He argued that changes made to the bill after the death of Senator Lindsey Graham could have effectively brought economic cooperation between the United States and Russia to a complete halt.
“Economic cooperation between Russia and the United States serves the interests of both nations, contributes to global economic stability and lays the foundation for building trust and achieving lasting peace," he added.
The US-Russia economic dialogue and peacemaking efforts will continue.
Some thoughts on suspending some provisions of the Graham Act https://t.co/lzjwdwFzxJ
— Kirill Dmitriev (@kadmitriev) October 17, 2026
Dmitriev also stressed the importance of dialogue, mutually beneficial cooperation and shared responsibility in maintaining global stability, rather than relying on sanctions and confrontation.
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His remarks reflect Moscow’s support for efforts to restore economic engagement with Washington, even as the war in Ukraine continues and relations between the two countries remain strained.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was designed to increase pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, which has continued despite several rounds of peace talks. However, Trump has shown a growing willingness to engage with Russia while publicly criticising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The legislation proposed imposing 100% tariffs on goods entering the United States from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, including India. New Delhi has raised concerns about the proposed sanctions, which could affect countries continuing to purchase Russian energy.
Trump’s decision to waive certain measures comes as his Republican Party faces a closely contested battle to retain its narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections.
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Experts have warned that the proposed tariffs and additional restrictions could push energy prices higher at a time when American consumers and businesses are already facing increased costs, partly attributed to the US-Israeli war on Iran.
The waiver is intended to ease pressure on fuel prices while potentially reducing the risk of further economic consequences for countries such as India that continue to buy Russian energy. Washington has repeatedly urged New Delhi to cut its purchases of Russian oil.
Diesel prices have emerged as a significant concern for the Trump administration ahead of the elections. Prices reportedly reached a record $6.52 per gallon in September and stood at around $6.28 on Friday, increasing pressure on businesses and consumers.
The administration’s decision to ease certain Russia-related restrictions comes against this backdrop of rising fuel costs and growing political pressure over the economy.
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While Dmitriev has portrayed the move as an opportunity to rebuild economic ties and improve relations, the waiver also highlights the tension between Washington’s efforts to pressure Moscow over Ukraine and its domestic need to contain energy prices.
The decision could have implications for global energy markets and countries importing Russian oil, although its wider impact will depend on the scope of the waived measures and subsequent US policy decisions.
