Trump Pauses New Russia Sanctions Amid Growing Row With Ukraine

President Trump signed a sweeping sanctions package aimed at the Russian economy after Congress approved the legislation championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Within days, his administration announced a pause, waiving the restrictions that were set to take effect.

The pause was framed as a brief intermission amid an escalating row with Ukraine, a country that has long been at the center of the sanctions debate. While the sanctions remain on the books, they are not currently being enforced.

Economists note that the pause is more of a political footnote than a permanent reversal, and markets have largely treated it as a temporary lull in the broader pressure campaign on Russia.

The Washington press corps has already dubbed the move a “great pause” for Ukraine, highlighting the odd timing of the decision.

The episode underscores a broader trend of leaders using executive powers like a chef seasoning a dish—adding and removing until the flavor seems just right. Whether the sanctions will be re‑activated remains to be seen.