The key facts

  • Trump notified Congress of the suspension of sanctions under Graham's bill, whose implementation deadline expired on October 18
  • Postponed are 500% tariffs on Russian goods and 100% tariffs on products from countries helping to circumvent sanctions
  • The decision does not affect sanctions imposed before Graham's bill was adopted

Sanctions Introduction Temporarily Suspended

According to DW, Donald Trump has decided for now not to introduce the sanctions provided for by Lindsey Graham's bill, which has been dubbed the 'hell sanctions.' Trump signed it at the end of September. The bill required restrictions to be introduced by October 18, but allowed a temporary suspension of this process based on national interests. Trump took advantage of this option and notified Congress of the corresponding decision.

What Exactly Has Been Postponed

The introduction of 500-percent additional tariffs on Russian goods has been suspended. Also postponed is the application of 100-percent tariffs on products from countries that are among the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas and most actively help Moscow circumvent sanctions. The duration of the decision is not defined by a specific date: the question of introducing the restrictions will be revisited if the president, together with the secretary of state, the treasury secretary, and the US trade representative, conclude that such a step is necessary. The decision does not concern sanctions imposed against Russia before Graham's bill was adopted.

Context: Agreement on Diesel Fuel

Earlier, on October 9, Trump announced that an agreement had been reached on supplies of Russian diesel fuel to the US and other markets. To implement it, the US Treasury Department issued a license permitting certain operations prohibited due to sanctions until April 7, 2027. Russia, for its part, announced the early lifting of restrictions on diesel fuel exports.

Ukraine's Reaction

According to Axios sources, the diesel agreement was concluded after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky several times failed to fulfill Trump's request to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries. Zelensky had proposed refraining from such strikes in exchange for an end to Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities. He called the diesel agreement an 'investment in the war' and urged Washington to increase pressure on Moscow to achieve a ceasefire.