Trump waives Russia sanctions targeting oil buyers, RT reports

US President Donald Trump has waived newly legislated sanctions against Russia and penalties targeting countries buying Russian energy, RT reported on October 17. According to the report, an executive order issued on Friday invoked a national-interest exemption under legislation called the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. For India, the central issue is the reported waiver of tariffs aimed at major Russian oil and gas buyers.

The report says the measures included proposed tariffs of 500% on Russian imports and 100% on major purchasers of Russian energy. It identifies India and China as the two largest buyers of Russian crude and among the countries expected to face the greatest impact. Trump reportedly told Congress that the waiver served US national interests and submitted an explanation supporting that certification. The outlet says he had signed the legislation into law about a month earlier. BharatVox has not independently verified the executive order, the legislation or the congressional certification; the supplied account does not establish the waiver's duration or detailed conditions.

The reported waiver follows another easing of restrictions earlier in October, when Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel exports. The outlet links that earlier decision to efforts to contain rising energy prices before US midterm elections and reports criticism from Ukraine, European allies and a bipartisan group of US senators. If confirmed, the latest waiver would ease India's exposure to the specific penalties described, rather than establish that all Russia-related trade restrictions have ended. The supplied report includes no Indian government response or detailed guidance for affected businesses.