Late on the night of October 16, President Trump wholly undermined the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRA) when he issued broad waivers of new russian sanctions that were to go into effect on Sunday, October 18, 2026. These sanctions were aimed at squeezing the russian economy to help end russia’s war on Ukraine. Instead, these exemptions throw the russian government and economy a lifeline.
UNWLA condemns Mr. Trump’s action. The SRA represented years of effort and negotiation between Congress and the White House, led by Senator Graham. With a single stroke of the pen, the president disregarded the intent of Congress and the will of the American people, betrayed our longstanding ally Ukraine and eased pressure on putin’s regime.
His actions of the past week, and especially the past day, do nothing to advance the cause of peace. This has further emboldened russia to continue its atrocities in Ukraine by providing U.S. financing for them.
Congress must act to stop this.
We as Americans need action now to save innocent Ukrainian lives and to stand for democratic values.
Call your Congressperson. Call your Senators. Demand action.
