Updated

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on October 16 waiving sweeping sanctions and tariffs on Russia that were set to take effect October 19 under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The waiver suspends 500% tariffs on Russian imports and 100% duties on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, days after Trump struck a diesel deal with Vladimir Putin. The Moscow Times reported Russian firms stand to benefit most from the relief, even as seaborne fuel imports to Russia fell 44% in September, with Turkey and Morocco supplying most shipments. A US lawmaker introduced a bill seeking to block the diesel deal, calling it a handout to Putin that funds the war against Ukrainian civilians. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine cannot accept the diesel deal, warning it could be followed by further sanctions relief affecting gas and banking sectors, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis called the arrangement a slap in the face for Europe. Zelensky added he finds negotiating with Trump easier than with Putin, who he said has no interest in talks.