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Politics · October 20, 2026

Trump’s Russia gamble puts America’s credibility on the line

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President Trump has issued an executive order waiving parts of the Graham Act, effectively easing sanctions on Russia two days before they were set to take effect. The administration cited national interest, and the move follows a recent deal to import Russian diesel as the U.S. faces pressure to lower fuel prices ahead of midterm elections. The decision has sparked a significant bipartisan backlash, with critics in Congress and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy arguing that the move emboldens Vladimir Putin, undermines U.S. credibility, and jeopardizes Ukraine's defense. Simultaneously, reports of degraded Starshield and Starlink service in Ukraine have led to calls for a congressional investigation into whether the U.S. government or its contractors are intentionally throttling the network.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • President Trump signed an executive order waiving Russia sanctions provided for in the Graham Act.
  • The waiver was issued just two days before the sanctions were to go into effect.
  • The administration claims the waiver is in the national interest and aims to lower domestic fuel prices.
  • The U.S. recently reached a deal with Russia to import 300,000 tons of diesel.
  • Lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have criticized the decision.
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has expressed concern that the move helps Russia and hurts Ukraine's defense.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Trump claimed on Truth Social that he waived sanctions to keep Russia at the negotiating table for peace talks.
  • Senators Tillis and Blumenthal reported that Zelenskyy confirmed 'critical Starlink services remain degraded.'
  • Ukraine has targeted Russian diesel refineries, which Trump has criticized.
  • Nine bipartisan senators requested a Defense Department IG investigation into Starlink/Starshield service interruptions.
  • Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have denied administration involvement in Starshield throttling.

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