President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to suspend sweeping new sanctions targeting the Russian economy. The move exempts Russia from parts of a law Trump signed last month and puts on hold a sanctions package previously passed by Congress.
The president's decision follows a deal struck with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release large amounts of diesel into global markets. By tapping Russian energy and preventing hefty tariffs on large-scale buyers of Russian oil, Trump seeks to ease prices.
Trump cited the national interests of the United States as the reason for signing the waiver. The executive order comes two days before the sanctions deadline, one week after the diesel deal, and amid a period where the president has been warming toward Russia.