What Happened?

A law that Congress passed with votes from both parties to punish Russia is now on hold, after President Trump signed a waiver setting it aside. The White House published a presidential action titled "Implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026." ​

The law imposed new sanctions on Russia. The waiver temporarily suspends those restrictions as the administration pursues deals with Moscow, including a proposed arrangement to import Russian diesel fuel.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

The sanctions law drew votes from 348 members of Congress and the support of 86 senators.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) argued the waiver "won't" lower diesel prices and that the main beneficiary is Putin. Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) cited Russia firing 39 ballistic missiles against Ukraine after the waiver took effect and 600,000 people in Kyiv losing power.

Both Sides, Now

Supporters of the sanctions law argue the waiver rewards Russia while the war in Ukraine continues. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) said Trump "incinerated" the consensus of 86 senators, calling the waiver "another massive giveaway to Putin." Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said "easing sanctions against Russia only emboldens Putin."

Reuters reported that on Oct. 14, a missile and drone attack damaged 30 energy facilities , left 600,000 people in Kyiv without power and killed three people in Ukraine.

Trump defended the waiver on Oct. 19, saying it was intended to keep Moscow at the negotiating table, describing Russia as "fine on Ukraine" and saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was "not helping." Reuters reported that Kremlin hawks are savoring the rift between Trump and Zelenskyy, describing the diesel deal and temporary sanctions relief as part of a broader warming in U.S.-Russia ties.

What Happens Next?

Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) is urging the Senate to immediately take up the House-passed Ukraine bill. The waiver puts Congress on a collision course with the White House over a law that passed with overwhelming support from both chambers.

The Senate holds the power to act next. For the sanctions to be fully restored or strengthened, the Senate would need to pass the Ukraine bill or take separate legislative action, according to the trigger article. Will Congress move fast enough to counter the waiver before any new U.S.-Russia deals take shape?

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