Trump exempts Russia from new sanctions and tariffs

President Donald Trump exempted Russia from new US sanctions and tariffs in an executive order issued on Friday.

The measures were due to begin under a law Trump signed in September to increase pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine, which began in 2022.

The law allowed tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas, and penalties for countries knowingly buying those fuels.

Trump said the exemption serves US national interests, and it will remain in place until he or senior officials decide to take further action.

China and India, major buyers of Russian oil, had raised concerns about the proposed penalties.

Critics say the exemption weakens pressure on Moscow and could undermine the law’s purpose.

The decision comes as Trump’s Republican Party seeks to keep its narrow congressional majorities ahead of the US midterm elections.