Dhaka, Oct. 17 -- President Donald Trump waived key Russia-related US sanctions and tariffs days before they were to take effect under a law he signed last month, including duties on the country's goods and penalties for buying its oil and gas.

In an executive order released by the White House on Friday, Trump said the waiver was in the national interests of the United States.

The law is meant to increase pressure on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022. Trump, however, has been warming toward Russia and publicly criticising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, including suggesting Kyiv needs a new leader.

Weeks before the US midterm elections in which Trump's Republicans are battling to maintain their narrow grip o...