US President Donald Trump has decided to waive sanctions and tariffs that were imposed on the purchase of Russian oil and gas. This comes just a day before they were set to take effect.

Who benefits:
Countries like India and China, which buy Russian oil and gas, get relief from the sanctions.

Why did Trump do it:
He cited "national interest" as the reason. He also submitted a certificate to Congress explaining that the waiver is in the US national interest.

Background:

The sanctions came under the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which allowed Trump to impose heavy sanctions on Russia and tariffs up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas.

Trump had earlier criticized India for buying Russian oil, but India refused to stop, saying it would protect its economic interests.

Trump's U-turn:

This is another reversal by Trump. Just days ago, he signed an oil deal with Russia for diesel supplies (over 300,000 tonnes, with more coming in November).

The move is seen as an effort to ease the oil crisis in the US before midterm elections.

Reaction from Ukraine:

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy criticized the move, calling it an "investment in a war" and asking for "real de-escalation" with Russia.

Trump hit back, saying Ukraine needs a new president and asking Zelenskyy to stop targeting Russia's oil refineries.

What's next:
It remains to be seen how Ukraine reacts to this latest waiver, since it has always pushed for strong action against countries buying Russian oil and gas.