Sanctions Against Russia Are in Doubt — U.S. Officials Explain Trump's Position

U.S. President Donald Trump is in no hurry to make a decision on new sanctions against Russia. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that the president wants to first assess all possible consequences and options. According to Wright, a final decision could be made by October 18.

 

He was asked whether Trump plans to impose new restrictions on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and other energy resources. Wright noted that the U.S. president has time to make a decision. He said that Trump does not want to rush and is considering the potential consequences of each step. “He’s leaving every decision until the very end. He’s weighing the trade-offs,” Wright said.

At the same time, the secretary stated that Trump continues to work toward ending the war in Ukraine. According to him, the U.S. president maintains an ongoing dialogue with both sides. “He is working tirelessly to try to end this war,” Wright noted. He also added that the U.S. side maintains constant contact with both Ukraine and Russia.

What Is Known About the New Law

Trump signed the law granting new sanctions authority on September 18, 2026. This is the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which expands the U.S.’s ability to impose sanctions, tariffs, and other restrictions against Russia. This was confirmed by the U.S. presidential administration. It is this law that gives the U.S. president additional tools to pressure countries that continue to purchase Russian energy resources.

In particular, the law provides for the possibility of imposing additional tariffs. These could potentially reach 100% for certain countries that purchase Russian energy resources. China and India remain among the largest buyers of Russian oil. That is why a potential decision by Washington regarding such tariffs could have broader implications for international trade and the energy market.

During the interview, Wright declined to say whether Trump intends to impose such tariffs on China and India. He emphasized that he did not want to preempt the president’s final decision.

When Trump Must Make a Decision

Chris Wright confirmed that the president has until October 18. It was this date that was cited in the CBS interview as the deadline for a decision on the possible imposition of tariffs against major buyers of Russian fuel. Thus, the next two weeks could prove crucial for U.S. sanctions policy toward Russia. At the same time, there is currently no confirmation that Trump will necessarily exercise these powers.

Wright himself also declined to speculate on the president’s decision. According to him, Trump considers various options on a daily basis that could simultaneously affect Russia, the negotiation process, and energy prices in the U.S. “He thinks every day about how to end this conflict and how to lower prices for Americans,” the secretary said. For now, the U.S. continues to evaluate possible steps. The final decision on new tariffs or other measures against buyers of Russian energy resources will depend on Trump’s position. Chris Wright discussed this on the CBS News program “Face the Nation.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated his current envoy to Belarus, John Koala, to serve as the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs with the rank of ambassador.