Senators call diesel deal “a betrayal” as Trump waives Russia sanctions

US President Donald Trump has said he will not impose new sanctions on Russia that were due to take effect in the coming days, according to a report by USA TODAY.

The decision effectively undermines the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which passed Congress with bipartisan support and would have imposed tariffs of up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas.

“I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States,” Trump wrote on October 16.

The waiver follows a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel into the US to lower fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections.

On October 13, 12 senators, including six Republicans, criticised the deal as “a betrayal” to US allies in a letter.

Democratic Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts called the diesel deal “shameful and dangerous.”