US Extends Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver
Analysis based on 38 articles · First reported Apr 17, 2026 · Last updated Apr 18, 2026
The Donald Trump administration, through the United States===United States Department of the Treasury, issued a month-long sanctions waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products that are at sea, extending an earlier measure. This decision came despite Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's earlier statement that the waiver would not be renewed. The move aims to soften surging energy prices, which have been exacerbated by the US-Israeli war against Iran and the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The waiver, valid until May 16, excludes transactions involving Iran, Cuba, and North Korea. Lawmakers like Jeanne Shaheen, Chuck Schumer, and Elizabeth Warren criticized the decision, arguing it benefits Russia's war on Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed that it is not the time to relax sanctions against Russia. Experts like Brett Erickson of Obsidian Risk Advisors suggest this might not be the last waiver, highlighting lasting damage to global energy markets.
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