Lankford defends Trump on Ukraine
The gist
Republican Senator James Lankford defended Trump's executive order waiving key Russia sanctions, including a diesel sale.
The waiver undercuts a bipartisan sanctions law and drew criticism from Zelenskyy.
How it unfolded
- Sep 18, 2026Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war against Ukraine, including tariffs on countries that keep buying Russian energy.
- Oct 13, 2026A bipartisan group of senators, including Alan Armstrong and 11 others, condemned the decision to lift sanctions in a letter.
- Oct 16, 2026Trump issued an executive order waiving key sanctions, restrictions and tariffs on Russia, citing U.S. national interests; additional penalties scheduled to begin Sunday remain on hold.