Republican senator says Trump's waiver of Congress-backed Russia sanctions is 'beyond irresponsible' a week after Putin diesel deal

Thom Tillis, the North Carolina Republican, told President Donald Trump to solve 'the Iran problem' rather than do 'a solid for Vladimir Putin'. Trump's order scraps tariffs of up to 500 per cent on Russian goods. It also drops tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that purchase Russian energy, including China and India. The order came two days before the Graham Act was due to take effect.

Democrat Richard Blumenthal accused Trump of 'sucking up to Vladimir Putin'.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said waiving the Graham Act would encourage Russia to keep killing.

Neither Trump nor the White House has explained why the waiver serves the national interest.