Trump puts sweeping Russia sanctions package on hold

Summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday putting a sweeping package of sanctions targeting Russia's economy on hold, telling Congress the pause was in the national interest, according to CBC and the South China Morning Post. The Guardian reports that Trump signed the legislation, passed by both chambers of Congress, last month and waived many restrictions as they were due to take effect; it says the move came amid public criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The South China Morning Post says the measure, named for late Senator Lindsey Graham, was intended to curb resources fuelling Russia's war against Ukraine, and that the pause followed Trump's statement that the U.S. had agreed to buy Russian diesel. Euronews reports that Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev called the decision a significant and historic moment.

Timeline

1. South China Morning Post

   17 Oct 2026, 02:26 UTCSource ↗

   The South China Morning Post reports that Trump paused the sanctions package after a reported deal to buy diesel from Russia, and says the measure was intended to curb resources fuelling the war against Ukraine.

2. CBC

   17 Oct 2026, 02:36 UTCSource ↗

   CBC reports that Trump signed an executive order putting the sweeping sanctions package on hold, telling Congress the pause was in the national interest.

3. The Guardian

   17 Oct 2026, 02:53 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Trump signed the legislation last month and waived many restrictions as they were due to take effect, amid public criticism of Zelenskyy, including suggesting Ukraine needed a new leader.

4. Euronews

   17 Oct 2026, 06:37 UTCSource ↗

   Euronews reports that Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev called the decision to put the sanctions on hold a significant and historic moment.