Russia Praises Trump Decision Suspending Sanctions

Kirill Dmitriev envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin described US President Donald Trump decision to freeze new sanctions and customs tariffs against Moscow as a historic milestone that shielded bilateral economic cooperation from collapse. Dmitriev stated on the X platform that suspending the Graham Act represents a truly significant move, emphasizing that the proposed measures would have completely halted commercial relations between Washington and Moscow. The Russian statement followed an executive order issued by Trump on Friday halting the sanctions and trade duties days before their scheduled enforcement under legislation signed last September. The American president defended the move by asserting it serves the national interests of the United States, confirming that Congress was officially informed about granting the waiver. The suspended legislation sought to increase pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine by imposing tariffs reaching 100 percent on goods imported from countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, alongside punitive measures against entities circumventing US restrictions. Meanwhile the decision triggered fierce criticism on Capitol Hill. Democratic Representative Don Beyer condemned Trump, accusing him of yielding to Putin and abandoning Ukrainian partners, while characterizing the exemption as a political gift to Moscow that contradicts congressional intent. This diplomatic shift occurs amid growing alignment between Washington and Moscow, accompanied by concerns that fresh sanctions could drive global oil prices even higher following the war against Iran.