Trump waives new sanctions on Russia's energy, defence sectors

The executive order effectively halts implementation of sanctions that would have imposed significant restrictions on key sectors of the Russian economy. The measures were set to target Russia's energy and defence industries, which form critical pillars of Moscow's economic and military capabilities.

The suspended sanctions package also included provisions to penalise senior Russian officials, including President Putin, along with measures targeting Russia's so-called shadow fleet—vessels used to circumvent existing international sanctions and transport sanctioned goods.

The move represents a significant shift in the US approach to Russia policy, potentially signalling a change in Washington's stance on economic pressure against Moscow. The shadow fleet, in particular, has been a focus of international enforcement efforts aimed at disrupting Russian oil exports and limiting revenue streams to fund military operations.

The executive order's implications extend beyond bilateral US-Russia relations, with potential consequences for international sanctions coordination and allied nations' strategies toward Moscow. The development comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and ongoing international efforts to maintain pressure on Russia through economic measures.