Trump weighs new Russia sanctions, decision due by October 18

October 4, 2026 at 11:28 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet decided on new sanctions against Russia, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said. Wright said Trump wants to assess consequences and options first, with a final decision possible by October 18. The president is weighing trade-offs while continuing efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Key Facts

Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act on September 18, 2026, expanding U.S. authority to impose sanctions, tariffs, and restrictions against Russia.
The law allows additional tariffs potentially reaching 100% on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy resources.
China and India remain among the largest buyers of Russian oil, making potential U.S. tariffs significant for international trade and energy markets.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed the president has until October 18 to decide on possible tariffs against major buyers of Russian fuel.

Sanctions Decision Timeline

U.S. President Donald Trump is in no hurry to decide on new sanctions against Russia, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Wright said the president wants to first assess all possible consequences and options, with a final decision possible by October 18. Trump signed the law granting new sanctions authority on September 18, 2026, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The law expands the U.S.'s ability to impose sanctions, tariffs, and other restrictions against Russia, confirmed by the U.S. presidential administration.

Tariff Implications

The law provides for the possibility of imposing additional tariffs that could potentially reach 100% for certain countries purchasing Russian energy resources. China and India remain among the largest buyers of Russian oil, so a potential decision by Washington 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, emphasizing he did not want to preempt the president's final decision.

War Diplomacy

Wright stated that Trump continues to work toward ending the war in Ukraine and maintains an ongoing dialogue with both sides. The U.S. side maintains constant contact with both Ukraine and Russia, Wright added. Trump considers various options daily that could simultaneously affect Russia, the negotiation process, and energy prices in the U.S., according to Wright.