Travel & Experiences · 6 Intermediate · October 17, 2026

Trump Blocks New Russia Sanctions Over Energy Concerns

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Vocabulary

executive power ɪɡˈzɛkjətɪv ˈpaʊər noun phrase

the authority of a president or leader to make decisions and enforce laws without needing approval from the legislature

President Trump used his executive power to block parts of the new law.

sanctions ˈsæŋkʃənz noun

official punishments or restrictions imposed on a country or person, typically to force a change in behavior

Congress had passed the sanctions bill designed to punish Russia.

withhold wɪðˈhoʊld verb

to refuse to give, grant, or allow something

Trump chose to withhold certain restrictions on Russian trade.

enforce ɛnˈfɔrs verb

to make sure a law or rule is obeyed or carried out

Some lawmakers urged Trump to fully enforce the new sanctions law.

tariffs ˈtærɪfs noun

taxes on goods imported from other countries

The Graham law gave Trump authority to impose tariffs up to 100 percent on countries that buy Russian oil and gas.

shadow fleet ˈʃæðoʊ flit noun phrase

a group of ships, typically tankers, used secretly to transport goods while avoiding official rules or restrictions

The law aimed to restrict Russia's shadow fleet of tankers used to bypass existing international sanctions.

Article

In October, President Trump used his executive power to block parts of a new law designed to punish Russia for its war on Ukraine. Congress had passed the sanctions bill, which Trump signed in September, and it was scheduled to take effect on October 18. Trump claimed that enforcing all the sanctions would not serve US national interests, so he chose to withhold certain restrictions on Russian trade.

Cheaper Fuel and Political Timing

Trump's decision followed his announcement that the US would purchase diesel from Russia to lower American energy prices before the midterm elections in November. He had spoken with Russian President Putin about the deal. This plan upset lawmakers from both parties, who sent a letter urging Trump to fully enforce the new sanctions law. Some critics accused Trump of surrendering to Putin and abandoning Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

What the Law Targets

The Graham law, named after a former Republican senator who supported Ukraine, was meant to harm Russia's economy. It gave Trump authority to impose tariffs up to 100 percent on countries that buy Russian oil and gas, particularly China and India. The law also targeted Russian banks, financial institutions, and Putin's associates. Additionally, it aimed to restrict Russia's shadow fleet of tankers used to bypass existing international sanctions.

Discussion Questions

Why do you think Trump wanted to import diesel from Russia, and what effect might cheaper fuel have on US voters before an election?
Do you think a president should have the power to block laws that Congress has passed? Why or why not?
How might blocking these sanctions affect Ukraine's ability to defend itself or negotiate peace?
What does the criticism from both Democrats and Republicans suggest about Trump's decision?
If you were a lawmaker, what would you have done if the president refused to enforce a law you had voted for?

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