Russian Envoy Hails Trump’s Decision to Waive Energy Sanctions as Historic
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev praises President Trump's decision to waive major sanctions on Russia, calling the move a historic moment for global markets.
POLICY WIRE — Moscow, Russia — A Russian presidential envoy has characterized President Donald Trump’s recent decision to waive a significant package of sanctions against Russia as a historic moment.
The development follows an executive order signed by Mr. Trump on Friday, October 16, 2026, which effectively suspended broad U.S. sanctions and tariffs aimed at Russian energy revenues. The waiver was issued just two days before the measures were scheduled to be implemented.
This policy shift occurs during a period of heightened tension between the U.S. administration and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The move has intensified discussions regarding the U.S. leader’s stance in the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for nearly five years, resulting in millions of displacements and hundreds of thousands of deaths.
Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy for President Vladimir Putin, took to social media to praise the administration’s suspension of the Graham Act, labeling it an important and truly historic moment. The legislation, named after the late U.S. senator who sponsored the bill, was designed to target Russia’s defense and energy sectors, as well as President Putin and other high-ranking officials.
According to Mr. Dmitriev, the implementation of the act would have inflicted serious damage primarily on the U.S. economy and international markets. While the move represents a significant diplomatic victory for Moscow, the Kremlin and President Putin—who appeared in military uniform on October 16 to reiterate intentions to seize the remainder of eastern Ukraine—have yet to issue an official response.
Western nations originally enacted extensive sanctions against Russia following the launch of the war in Ukraine in 2022.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
