The Trump administration extended waivers allowing countries to purchase sanctioned Russian oil, linked to accelerating negotiations with Iran. Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war and the Strait of Hormuz closure, the U.S. granted the waiver based on requests from partner nations at the G20 meetings. U.S. senators criticized the move as weakening pressure on Russia.
The Ukrainian Ambassador urged the Trump administration to reinstate sanctions on Russian oil, arguing that Moscow must not profit from Iran's actions. This move is seen as a shared interest between Kyiv and Washington, aiming to limit Russia's funding for its war against Ukraine. Recent waiver decisions have heightened diplomatic tensions and raised concerns about potential collaboration between the US and Iran.