President Donald Trump issued an executive order exempting Russia from sanctions approved by Congress in September. The sanctions were intended to restrict the resources supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine and targeted Russian officials, oligarchs, and financial institutions.
The exemptions were granted on the grounds that they “serve the national interests of the United States,” although the order does not explain why.
“I hereby waive the application of the sanctions, restrictions, and tariffs provided for under the Graham Act,” Trump stated in the order. “I have submitted a certification to Congress that granting such a waiver at this time serves the national interests of the United States.”
Two weeks earlier, Trump announced that he had reached an agreement with Vladimir Putin for the United States to begin importing Russian diesel.
According to The New York Times, the decision is linked to tightening global fuel supplies and rising prices, largely as a result of the US war in Iran.
The order comes as Trump has moved closer to Russia in recent weeks and expressed frustration that Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries are contributing to higher gasoline and diesel prices worldwide. However, the war in Iran remains the main factor constraining global fuel supplies.
Source: The New York Times
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