Washington Reverses Decision and Extends Waiver for Russian Oil Sales at Sea

The Treasury Department issued a new month-long waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil already loaded on vessels, reversing its earlier statement that the measure would not be renewed. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 15, 2026. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump’s administration on Friday issued a month-long sanctions waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products already at sea. The license, issued by the Treasury Department, came just two days after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would not renew the waiver. The Treasury Department posted the license to its website late on Friday, allowing countries to purchase Russian oil loaded on vessels as of Friday through May 16. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . It extends an earlier easing of sanctions that expired on April 11. It was not immediately clear what prompted the apparent reversal. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.