President Donald Trump invoked a national-interest waiver to suspend a sweeping sanctions package aimed at Russia and its top energy buyers, just two days before the measures were set to go into effect.
The move, signed via executive action, halts a package that would have imposed heavy tariffs on Russian goods and penalties on the biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas. The sudden decision has sparked bipartisan criticism at a moment many observers were watching U.S.-Russia policy closely.
Critics from both parties argue that delaying or halting penalties sends a mixed signal at a time of heightened global tension, raising questions about the administration's strategy toward Moscow. Supporters, however, contend the administration is pursuing a calibrated approach to leverage economic pressure while avoiding unintended consequences for allied energy markets.