MOSCOW, Oct. 17 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev on Saturday hailed US President Donald Trump's decision to waive a new package of sanctions and tariffs against Russia as a "truly historic moment", signalling Moscow's approval of Washington's decision to ease economic pressure amid the continuing war in Ukraine.
Trump signed an executive order on Friday suspending key provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which was intended to impose sweeping economic penalties on Moscow and countries purchasing Russian energy.
The decision came shortly before the new measures were scheduled to take effect, with the White House citing American national interests as the justification for the waiver.
"The Trump administration's suspension of the Graham Act is an important and truly historic moment," Dmitriev wrote on X.
The Russian presidential envoy said closer economic cooperation between Moscow and Washington could contribute to global stability and help build confidence between the two countries.
The legislation, signed into law by Trump in September, was designed to intensify economic pressure on Russia over its military offensive in Ukraine, which began in February 2022.
Its provisions included sanctions targeting Russian government and military officials, financial institutions, energy-related entities and vessels associated with Moscow's efforts to circumvent existing restrictions.
The law also authorised tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports from countries continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas under specified conditions.
However, the legislation allowed the US President to waive the measures after certifying to Congress that doing so served American national interests.
Trump exercised that authority through Friday's executive order, effectively preventing the new sanctions and tariffs from taking effect.
The waiver does not repeal the legislation or automatically remove earlier sanctions imposed on Russia. It will remain in force until the administration determines that further action is appropriate.
Dmitriev argued that implementing the sanctions would have damaged economic cooperation between Russia and the United States while creating additional pressure on international markets.
He maintained that engagement between the two countries was preferable to escalating economic confrontation.
The Russian envoy also indicated that discussions on economic cooperation and efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict would continue.
The Kremlin and Putin had not issued separate public reactions to the decision when Dmitriev made his remarks.
The announcement nevertheless represented a significant change in Washington's immediate approach towards Moscow, particularly as Russia continued military operations in Ukraine.
Trump's decision followed an agreement with Putin aimed at increasing Russian diesel supplies to international markets amid elevated fuel prices.
Under the arrangement announced earlier this month, Russia agreed to release more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and additional supplies thereafter.
The US administration has presented the arrangement as a measure to ease pressure on energy prices.
However, the agreement has drawn criticism from American lawmakers who argue that renewed energy trade could provide Moscow with additional revenue while its military offensive in Ukraine continues.
The sanctions waiver has also raised questions about Washington's willingness to maintain economic pressure on Russia while pursuing diplomatic and commercial engagement.
The decision came amid growing differences between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over efforts to end the war.
Zelensky, who visited Brussels for discussions with European leaders on Friday, expressed concern about the implications of renewed economic cooperation between Washington and Moscow.
European leaders have also cautioned against relaxing pressure on Russia while the conflict continues.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the international community should maintain its support for Ukraine rather than ease sanctions on Moscow.
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified military operations in parts of Ukraine, including strikes targeting Kyiv and other cities.
Putin, appearing in military uniform on Friday, reiterated Moscow's intention to capture the remaining Ukrainian-held territory in the eastern Donetsk region.
The developments have added to concerns among Ukraine's European allies about the future direction of US policy towards the conflict.
The waiver also has implications for major importers of Russian energy, including India and China, which could have faced substantial additional tariffs under the legislation.
Both countries have expressed concerns about the potential economic consequences of secondary sanctions targeting purchases of Russian oil and gas.
By suspending the new measures, Washington has temporarily removed the immediate threat of these additional penalties, although existing trade restrictions and sanctions remain in place.
The move comes as the Trump administration faces domestic political pressure over energy prices ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections.
While Russia has welcomed the decision as an opportunity for renewed economic engagement, critics in Washington and Europe have warned that easing pressure on Moscow could weaken efforts to secure a negotiated settlement to the Ukraine war.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.