US President Donald Trump has waived a substantial package of new sanctions and tariffs aimed at Russia, invoking a national-interest exemption in legislation signed into law last month. The decision contrasts with Britain's continuing sanctions campaign against Russian oil companies, shipping and financial networks.
The White House executive order, dated 16 October 2026, implements provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 but simultaneously waives the application of the specified duties and many sanctions. It comes shortly before additional measures were due to take effect.
What the American decision changes
The legislation provides for a 500% additional tariff on goods imported from Russia, as well as 100% additional tariffs targeting goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil and natural gas that make qualifying new purchases from 18 October. It also covers major facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion.
However, section four of the president's executive order waives those duties and numerous sanctions provisions. Trump said he had submitted a certification to Congress that the waiver was in the national interests of the United States. The order provides that the waivers will remain in effect until the president or designated senior officials decide further action is appropriate.
The decision does not remove all existing US sanctions against Russia. The executive order expressly preserves sanctions and other measures imposed under certain earlier executive orders. It also does not alter sanctions independently imposed by Britain or the European Union.
Britain continues its own sanctions campaign
The British government's position remains different. On 8 October, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced 38 additional Russia-related designations, targeting oil companies, shadow-fleet tankers, financial services and supply chains linked to Moscow's war in Ukraine.
That British package included sanctions against Russian oil companies Zarubezhneft and INK Capital, together with a further 12 tankers described by ministers as part of Russia's shadow fleet. The government said the measures were designed to restrict revenue and resources supporting Russia's war effort.
Those UK measures remain in place irrespective of Washington's latest waiver. There has been no confirmed announcement that London intends to change its sanctions policy in response to the US decision.
Reaction and diplomatic implications
Reuters reported criticism of the waiver from American lawmakers, including Democrat Don Beyer, who argued that the decision weakened pressure on Moscow. Russian presidential investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed the move. Those responses represent the views of the individuals concerned, not an agreed assessment of the order's effects.
The divergence raises questions about how Britain, the United States and other allies will coordinate future economic pressure on Russia. However, no new formal diplomatic dispute between London and Washington has been established by the announcement.
For now, the immediate confirmed development is the suspension of major new American measures under the Graham Act while Britain's existing sanctions remain in force.
Sources
- White House: Executive order implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, 16 October 2026
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: New UK sanctions targeting Russia, 8 October 2026
- US Government Publishing Office: Public Law 119-111, 18 September 2026
- Reuters: Trump waives key Russia sanctions and tariffs, 17 October 2026