Trump signs order waiving sanctions on Russian diesel imports

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday evening to waive recent sanctions on Russian energy, allowing the United States to purchase Russian diesel. The move follows an announcement on October 9 that the U.S. Would temporarily lift some sanctions to lower domestic fuel prices, with Russia committing to supply 2.25 million barrels of diesel to global markets.

The executive order effectively exempts Russia from a bill passed by the Senate in August and signed into law last month, which was named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Lawmakers had argued that the new deal violated laws passed four years ago that prohibited the U.S. From buying Russian energy products following the invasion of Ukraine.

Energy experts described the volume of diesel as a fraction of U.S. Daily consumption, noting that the country is a net exporter of the fuel. Critics argued the deal offers Russia a significant strategic advantage by reopening export channels, while providing the administration with a political talking point ahead of midterm elections.

Read the full story at rollingstone.com.