Trump Signs Executive Order Waiving New Sanctions on Russia

The war in Ukraine has continued for more than four and a half years, defying the specific timeline proposed by President Donald Trump during his presidential campaign.

In July 2023, while campaigning in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Trump stated he would settle the conflict before taking office. "Before I even arrive at the Oval Office shortly after I win the presidency, I will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled," he said. He added that his priority was for people to stop dying.

Negotiations have stalled despite high-level diplomatic engagement. Trump has met twice with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House and once with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting with Putin took place in August 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Following that summit, Trump described the conversation as productive. "There were many, many points that we agreed on," he said. "A couple of big ones that we haven't quite got there, but we've made some headway. So, there's no deal until there's a deal."

Legislative action followed in September. On Sept. 18, Trump signed bipartisan legislation named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The law imposed sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia.

On Oct. 16, Trump signed an executive order waiving those sanctions. The decision effectively suspended the measures enacted only 28 days prior, leaving the conflict ongoing without a formal peace agreement.