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

Donald Trump halts massive sanctions on Russian goods just days before they take effect The waiver comes during the worst rift between the US leader and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in recent months after Mr Trump agreed to a diesel deal with Russia US President Donald Trump has waivered several massive sanctions, restrictions and duties on Russian goods just days before they were set to take effect. The move is the latest in what appears to be the US leader cosying up to Russia. Mr Trump had signed the bill into law just last month, but the executive order signed on Friday, October 16 places this on hold. This follows scathing attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week. The legislation provided for additional tariffs of 500% on goods imported into the US from Russia, 100% on goods imported from the five biggest facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion and 100% on goods imported from the five largest importers of Russian oil and natural gas if they knowingly make new purchases on or after October 18, 2026. Friday's executive order said that Mr Trump can waive the application of any sanctions provision subject to the submission of a written certification to the Congress that such a waiver is in the national interests of America and a report explaining the basis for the certification. He said in the order: "I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act. I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States." Earlier this week, Mr Trump branded Mr Zelensky "not a good guy". The two leaders are in their worst rift in months after the US leader announced that Mr Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately "to the American and global marketplace" followed by several other shipments. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform at the time: "I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter. Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel. He added: "Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority. This is a very big and important announcement." The Ukrainian leader said Mr Trump has handed Russia a "gift" and prolonged the war. He said on social media that the agreement "plays into Russia's hands - allowing it to kill more, wage war for longer, have even less respect for America, and inflict even greater losses and damage on the world."