Trump waives Russia sanctions passed by Congress just two days before they were due to take effect
The Kremlin has praised the move, which comes a week after Trump agreed a diesel deal with Vladimir Putin. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who co-wrote the Graham Act, said Trump 'stands on the side of a bloodthirsty thug'. Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the decision 'unfortunate' and urged supporters to back the law. Russia hit more than 15 Ukrainian energy sites overnight.
The law threatened tariffs of up to 100% on top buyers of Russian oil and gas.
Trump certified to Congress that the waiver serves 'the national interests of the United States'.
Critics called it 'a final dishonor' for Lindsey Graham, the Russia hawk who died in July.
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Daily MailKremlin praises Trump's decision to suspend sanctions on RussiaThe IndependentZelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia after Trump puts them on holdThe HillUkraine faces grim question of whether it can take on Russia without US backingThe HillThe Memo: Ukraine’s slide into crisis sharpens questions for TrumpReutersRussian defence ministry says it hit Ukrainian steel plants, power infrastructure overnightThe SunTrump halts key Russia sanctions days after agreeing diesel deal with PutinLBCDonald Trump halts sanctions on Russia after Putin diesel dealRaw StoryTrump blasted for siding with ‘bloodthirsty thug’ in late-night gift to RussiaRaw StoryTrump hands Russia a lifeline by killing Congress’ punishing war sanctions: NYTThe TelegraphTrump waives sanctions on Russia passed by CongressPoliticoTrump issues order to bypass Russian sanctions in bill named for late Lindsey GrahamThe GuardianTrump puts new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold amid deepening row with Ukraine
