Trump issues executive order blocking Russia sanctions, drawing criticism from U.S. lawmakers and praise from a Kremlin official
President Donald Trump signed an executive order that blocks the sanctions and duties outlined in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. Lawmakers from both parties, including Thom Tillis, John Cornyn, Chuck Schumer, Don Beyer and Richard Blumenthal, have condemned the move as irresponsible and a benefit to Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the action a favor to Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Kirill Dmitrijev publicly welcomed the decision, describing it as a historic moment. The administration also announced a diesel import agreement with Russia as part of the same action.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 25h later
- Coverage peaked at 18 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The suspension affects U.S. policy toward Russia’s economy and impacts fuel prices, while sparking political conflict over support for Ukraine.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning and centrist outlets frame the executive order as a dangerous betrayal that rewards Putin and undermines Ukraine, while right-leaning coverage emphasizes the move as a historic, nationally-interest-driven step that fosters economic cooperation with Russia.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage portrays the waiver as a betrayal that emboldens Russia and harms Ukraine’s security.
CENTER
Centrist coverage depicts the decision as an irresponsible surrender to Putin that provokes bipartisan outrage.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage casts the suspension as a historic, national-interest decision that opens the door to economic cooperation with Russia.
The left emphasises
- the waiver "betrays" the law and Ukrainian civilians
- it "emboldens" Vladimir Putin and threatens U.S. strategic objectives
- Zelensky’s condemnation and warnings of increased Russian aggression
The right emphasises
- calls the suspension a "historic moment" praised by Kremlin officials
- frames the action as serving U.S. national interest and stabilising global markets
- highlights the economic benefits of continued Russian diesel sales
How this story developed
- Oct 5 Russia’s intensified winter attacks threaten Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and morale
- Oct 17 Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski announced that the United States is considering a three-way meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump, with possible venues ranging from the Gulf to Europe.
- Oct 17 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced encouragement to continue attacks, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal accused Trump of “flattering Vladimir Putin”, and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev praised the decision.
- Oct 17 The executive order states the waiver will remain in effect until the president or senior officials determine further action.
- Oct 17 US officials indicated they may limit intelligence data to Ukrainian forces.
- Oct 18 Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration will study the impact of the suspension on the global economy.
- Oct 18 Volodymyr Zelenskyj said that US authorities had ordered a brief suspension of Starlink for Ukraine’s military, which has since been lifted.
- Oct 18 Zelensky warned that any formal U.S. alignment with Vladimir Putin would be a historic mistake.
- Oct 18 Ukraine struck a refinery in Saint Petersburg, prompting renewed U.S. criticism of Kyiv’s energy attacks.
- Oct 18 Trump offered extra Patriot missiles if Ukraine ceases refinery attacks.
- Oct 18 Zelensky said he had a call with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner amid the new crisis between the Ukrainian president and Donald Trump, who recently exempted Russia from new sanctions.
- Oct 19 The United States continues to review the feasibility of a trilateral summit with Putin and Trump.
- Oct 19 Trump signed an executive order pausing broad sanctions on Russia, including a temporary diesel waiver.
- Oct 19 Trump suspended a sanctions package on Russia, lifted a restriction on Russian diesel exports, and blamed Zelenskyy for prolonging the war.
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