Washington: US President Donald Trump will take up to 60 days to assess the economic impact of Russia-related sanctions and tariffs that were waived a day earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, as the administration weighs energy costs against pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
Trump noted that a final decision had not yet been announced. The president signed an executive order on Friday waiving key measures under the Graham Act, which includes sanctions on Russia and tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy. The restrictions were scheduled to take effect next week.
Rubio said the review would examine how imposing the measures could affect the US and global economies. He highlighted India, a major US partner that has diversified its energy sources but remains heavily dependent on Russian oil. The waiver comes weeks before US midterm elections, with rising energy prices adding pressure on the administration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the decision, warning that easing pressure on Russia could embolden President Vladimir Putin and prolong the war. Republican Senator Darline Graham, whose late brother Lindsey Graham championed the legislation, also opposed the waiver and said she wanted to discuss the decision with Trump.
Rubio also defended a separate agreement under which Russia would supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel initially, with further shipments expected in November and beyond. The arrangement aims to increase fuel supplies amid disruptions linked to the war with Iran and other global conflicts.
Rubio said the sanctions waiver and diesel agreement reflected the challenge of managing conflicts that have disrupted energy markets. The administration’s 60-day review will help assess the economic consequences of imposing the measures, while its final approach to Russia-related sanctions and tariffs remains undecided.
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