Washington, October 18, 2026: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said President Donald Trump will take up to 60 days to assess the economic consequences of imposing a new package of Russia-related sanctions and tariffs that he temporarily waived a day earlier.
The review comes amid elevated global energy prices, the continuing war in Ukraine and concerns in Washington over the potential impact of the measures on countries such as India, which continues to purchase Russian oil.
Trump Yet to Make Final Decision
Trump has indicated that a final decision on the sanctions package has not yet been announced. Rubio said the president wants time to evaluate the consequences of the measures for Russia, the United States and the global economy before deciding how to proceed.
60-Day Review Period
According to Rubio, the administration plans to use the next 60 days to study the potential effects of activating the sanctions and tariffs. The review follows Trump’s executive order temporarily waiving key provisions that were due to take effect shortly.
The decision leaves the future of the proposed measures uncertain while the administration assesses their economic and geopolitical implications.
Sanctions Framework Targets Russia and Its Energy Buyers
The measures were authorised under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which Trump signed last month, according to reports. The legislation is intended to increase pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine by targeting Russian exports and countries that continue purchasing Russian energy.
The framework allows punitive tariffs and other penalties against countries buying Russian oil and gas, making its implementation particularly significant for major importers.
India Watches Developments Closely
India remains a major buyer of Russian crude oil and could face economic consequences if secondary tariffs are imposed. The temporary waiver provides additional time before the administration decides whether to activate the measures.
New Delhi has been closely monitoring the sanctions framework because potential penalties could affect Indian exports to the United States and complicate broader bilateral trade discussions.
Global Energy Prices Influence Washington’s Calculations
The White House is weighing the sanctions at a time when geopolitical conflicts are contributing to pressure on global fuel prices and shipping costs.
Rubio has said the administration needs to understand the broader economic implications before introducing sweeping restrictions. The potential effects on energy markets, consumers and trading partners are therefore central to the review.
The conflict involving Iran has added to concerns about energy supplies and transportation costs, complicating efforts to tighten restrictions on Russian oil and gas without further disrupting global markets.
Russian Diesel Deal Draws Criticism
The review follows a separate agreement involving Russian diesel supplies that has attracted criticism from some US lawmakers. Critics argue that easing restrictions on Russian energy exports could provide Moscow with additional revenue to support its war in Ukraine.
Several senators from both major parties have also questioned recent moves to reduce pressure on Russian energy exports, arguing that Washington should maintain stronger economic restrictions.
Zelenskyy Criticises Sanctions Waiver
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised the waiver and other recent US policy decisions concerning Russia. Kyiv is concerned that weaker energy restrictions could increase Russian revenues and reduce Western leverage over Moscow.
The dispute comes amid broader strains in relations between Trump and Zelenskyy, including disagreements over military support, Russian energy and Ukraine’s strikes on Russian infrastructure.
Rubio Defends a Cautious Approach
Rubio has argued that the administration must understand the wider consequences before imposing extensive restrictions. The proposed measures could affect Russia while also creating economic repercussions for trading partners and global energy markets.
The review is intended to give the White House time to assess those potential effects before determining whether the sanctions should be activated, modified or kept on hold.
Implications for India-US Trade Talks
The decision could also influence the broader economic relationship between India and the United States. The two countries are working towards a trade agreement, and the treatment of India’s Russian oil purchases remains a potential point of friction.
The outcome of the review could shape discussions over tariffs, energy imports and bilateral trade, although the final impact will depend on the measures ultimately adopted by Washington.
Final Decision Expected Within Two Months
The White House could impose the measures, modify their scope or extend the waiver after completing its assessment. Until then, the administration is expected to examine their potential effects on energy markets, US consumers, allies and major trading partners.
The next 60 days will therefore be important in determining how Washington balances pressure on Moscow with the economic consequences of restricting Russian energy exports.
Source: Reuters, PTI, The Indian Express, The Tribune, The Economic Times
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