Moscow walks away with billions as Trump’s Russian oil waiver expires

(Tim Zadorozhnyy – The Kyiv Independent) U.S. sanctions on Russian oil have resumed after the Trump administration allowed a temporary waiver on certain sales to expire on April 11, the Kyiv Independent has learned, ending a short-lived effort to stabilize markets during Washington’s war against Iran. The waiver, introduced in March, came as the U.S. sought to increase available supply after the war rattled energy markets. The decision has drawn bipartisan criticism in Washington, particularly as Russia has supported Iran in the war and benefited from elevated oil prices. The waiver lapsed amid continued market instability, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remaining restricted and the U.S. enforcing a blockade aimed at preventing Tehran from controlling key oil routes. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters on April 15 that the administration “will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil.” – Moscow walks away with billions as Trump’s Russian oil waiver expires