Trump suspends new sanctions against Russia, risking worsening the crisis with Kiev

Donald Trump signed a decree on 16 October 2026 suspending the application of new sanctions, restrictions and customs provisions against Russia. Euronews, Deutsche Welle and TF1 Info report the same decision, taken shortly before their entry into force. The president invokes "the national interest of the United States", while his relations with Volodymyr Zelensky deteriorate in the background of energy rapprochement with Moscow. [S6] [S7] [S11]

An exemption, not a general abolition of sanctions

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions Russia and Iran Act was to increase economic pressure on Moscow to reduce the resources funding its war against Ukraine. The measures included Russian officials, banks, the energy sector and the "phantom fleet" of tankers used to circumvent existing restrictions. The official decree places the enactment of the law on 18 September 2026, not on 19 September as Ukrainska Pravda indicates. [S6] [S11] [S13] [S32]

The presidential text provides for a customs increase of 500 per cent on Russian goods and, subject to conditions, 100 per cent on those from the five main importers of Russian crude oil and gas. However, it explicitly makes these provisions subject to exemptions granted: these rates are therefore not now effective levies. The decision concerns measures under the Graham Act; It does not make it possible to conclude that all US sanctions against Moscow have disappeared. [S32]

According to Deutsche Welle, the exemption will remain applicable until Donald Trump or senior officials of his administration consider a new action appropriate. It is therefore a suspension that could be reconsidered, not a repeal of the law passed by Congress. [S11] [S32]

Presidential latitude, political responsibility

Section 115 of the Act authorizes the President to grant exemptions, subject to written certification to Congress establishing the American national interest and an explanatory report. Donald Trump claims to have passed on this certification. Deutsche Welle notes, however, that the White House did not immediately explain publicly how the suspension would serve that interest. [S11] [S32]

Congress has thus left a margin of decision to the executive, whose use is now contested. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, co-author of the scheme, blames the president for turning his back on American representatives and European allies. This criticism relates to Donald Trump's political arbitration, without establishing that the use of derogation would be illegal. [S11] [S32]

Moscow applauds, Kiev defends economic pressure

Kirill Dmitriev, advisor to the Kremlin on international economic cooperation, welcomes a "important and truly historic moment". In his view, sanctions would have harmed the American and global economies, while cooperation would promote confidence and lasting peace. This is the Russian argument, not a demonstrated diplomatic result. [S7]

Volodymyr Zelensky supports the opposite approach: relaxing economic pressure and granting financial benefits to Moscow would encourage continued attacks. The BBC reports that it has associated its criticism with Russian strikes against Ukrainian energy installations and power cuts. These statements expose Kiev's fears, but do not measure the future military effect of the decree. [S7] [S9]

Concrete costs, still uncertain benefits

The suspension comes after a separate agreement announced by Donald Trump to put Russian diesel back on the US and global markets, with the stated goal of reducing fuel prices. For households and businesses, this decline is still an expected benefit: the sources consulted do not show savings due to the suspension of the new sanctions. [S6] [S11]

For Ukrainians, immediate issues include electricity, heating and protection against strikes. Kiev also deplores the restrictions on access to SpaceX satellite services and the lack of alerts before certain attacks. These difficulties are part of the crisis with Washington, but are not established as consequences of the decree. [S4] [S9]

In Brussels, Zelensky requested more European funding. The quote reproduced by the RTBF mentions an additional €70 billion, while other passages speak of dollars: this inconsistency requires keeping the allocation. Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his support without stopping the amount. Neither the financing requested nor the expected energy gains nor progress towards peace can therefore be presented as a acquis. [S4] [S6] [S11]