Trump waives sanctions on Russia days before they were due to take effect

Unbiased summary

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday waiving numerous sanctions, restrictions, and duties on Russia that Congress had passed in a bill he signed into law in September. The legislation, named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was due to take effect on Sunday and included sanctions on Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers, as well as tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian oil and gas. Trump said the waiver was in the US national interest. The move follows his announcement last week that the US would purchase diesel from Russia to lower energy prices, which drew bipartisan criticism. Trump has also publicly criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting Ukraine needs a new leader.

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Coverage by outlet

The Guardian left

Angle Frames the waiver as part of Trump's deepening rift with Ukraine and his softening stance toward Russia, highlighting the diesel deal and criticism of Zelenskyy.

Bias Emphasises Trump's public criticism of Zelenskyy and the diesel purchase, framing the sanctions waiver as a concession to Russia. Omits details about the specific sanctions provisions and the bipartisan letter urging full implementation, and does not mention that the law allows presidential waivers. Strays from neutral by linking the waiver to a pro-Russia tilt without balancing congressional context.

Trump puts new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold amid deepening row with Ukraine

BBC News centre-left

Angle Presents a straightforward account of the waiver while noting bipartisan backlash and the diesel deal, maintaining a relatively neutral tone.

Bias Provides balanced context by mentioning the bipartisan letter urging implementation and the law's provisions, but slightly emphasises the diesel deal as a catalyst for backlash. Omits some detail on the scope of waived sanctions compared to the Guardian, but overall stays close to objective facts without heavy framing.

Trump waives several Russia sanctions as new US law takes effect

The Mirror centre-left

Angle Portrays the waiver as Trump 'cosying up to Russia' amid a rift with Zelenskyy, using emotive language to suggest a pro-Russia alignment.

Bias Uses phrases like 'cosying up to Russia' and highlights Trump's 'scathing attacks' on Zelenskyy, framing the waiver as part of a personal rift. Includes specific tariff figures (500%, 100%) not widely reported elsewhere, which may be inaccurate or unverified, and omits bipartisan congressional context. Strays from neutral by relying on speculative language about Trump's motivations.

Donald Trump halts massive sanctions on Russian goods just days before they take effect

GB News right

Angle Reports the waiver factually with a focus on international reactions and a critical Democratic quote, while downplaying the bipartisan backlash.

Bias Emphasises concerns from India and China and includes a critical quote from Democratic Representative Don Beyer, but omits the bipartisan letter from 20 lawmakers urging implementation. Downplays Trump's criticism of Zelenskyy by mentioning it only briefly, and frames the waiver as a presidential prerogative under the law, staying closer to neutral but with a slight tilt toward criticising the move.

Donald Trump waives many Russia-related sanctions just days before they were due to take effect