US pauses Russia sanctions for 60 days, drawing bipartisan criticism
President Donald Trump waived sanctions and tariffs tied to Russian oil purchases, and Rubio described the move as a 60-day pause to assess its effect on the global economy. Critics argue it weakens support for Ukraine.
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What happened
President Donald Trump waived sanctions and tariffs linked to purchases of Russian oil, a move that drew outrage from members of Congress from both parties. Secretary of State Marco Rubio then said the decision is a 60-day pause to analyze its impact on the global economy.
Why it matters
Critics say the waiver undermines support for Ukraine, while Indian refiners gain flexibility in crude purchases and relief from the risk of new trade penalties.
Timeline
- Oct 16: Trump waived sanctions, restrictions and duties tied to Russian energy purchases, citing national interest.
- Oct 17, 11:09 AM ET: Members of Congress voiced outrage and concern over the abrupt waiver.
- Oct 17, 9:07 PM ET: Rubio called the waiver a 60-day pause to analyze economic impact, while Ukraine's Zelenskyy expected more sanctions to be lifted.
- Oct 18, 6:36 AM ET: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called the waiver indecisiveness that sends the wrong message to the aggressor.
Coverage
- Ukrainian Officials Slam Trump's Waiver Of Russia Sanctions As Rubio Defends Move (RFE/RL)
- Rubio Says Trump To Take up to 60 Days To Weigh Russia Sanctions (The Moscow Times)
- Marco Rubio says Trump's Russian oil sanctions waiver is a '60-day pause,' denies restricting Starlink access (Kyiv Independent)
- Ukraine war briefing: Trump’s sanctions waiver is a ‘60-day pause’ to analyse economic impact, says Rubio (The Guardian)
- Trump faces bipartisan backlash over Russia sanctions waiver (Al Jazeera)
- Trump's decision to waive Russian sanctions outrages Congress (AP)
- Zelenskyy says Trump’s lifting of sanctions on Russia will intensify war in Ukraine (The Guardian)
- Trump Signs Order Exempting Russia From New Sanctions Legislation (The Moscow Times)
- Trump Waives Graham Act Sanctions On Russia Before They Take Effect (RFE/RL)
- Trump waives Russia-related US sanctions that threatened 100% tariffs on India, China (theindianpanorama.news)
- Exclusive: Watchdog lists ships carrying Russian gas, blasts Trump sanctions waiver (Kyiv Independent)
- Trump Eases US Sanctions on Russian Oil and Gas: Implications for India (India News Network)
- Trump waives Russia sanctions as rift with Zelenskyy widens (Al Jazeera)
- Trump puts on hold new Russia sanctions he signed into law (Al Jazeera)
- Trump waives latest Russia sanctions amid growing Ukraine-US tensions (Kyiv Independent)
- Trump puts new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold (AP)
- Trump pauses Russia sanctions for 60 days, drawing Kyiv's criticism
- Trump delays Russia sanctions to keep talks alive
- Trump suspends some Russia oil sanctions, offering buyers possible relief
- US president eases Russia sanctions that had threatened India with duties
- US lawmaker seeks to halt Trump's diesel trade deal with Russia
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