Trump pauses Russia sanctions for 60 days, faces pushback in Congress

US President Donald Trump has paused the implementation of economic sanctions and tariffs on Russia for 60 days.

According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the decision was taken to study its impact on the global economy. Rubio said the war with Iran and attacks by Yemen's Houthi group have driven up global oil and diesel prices.

A law passed by Congress last month had given the president authority to impose sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs and financial institutions, and to take action against major buyers of Russian oil and gas. The law's objective was to cut off Russia's economic resources for its war against Ukraine.

Trump granted the exemption through an executive order on Friday, two days before the law was due to take effect. Lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have sharply criticized the order.

A Republican senator from Florida said that since Russia is the aggressor, it should face maximum economic pressure. Ukraine has also criticized the decision, saying it benefits Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The move comes as high fuel prices weigh on the November 3 midterm elections. Trump had recently announced a diesel deal with Putin for importing Russian energy.