DOMINANT ANGLE
Doha sees the suspension of sanctions as an energy arbitration: according to Al Jazeera, it is Russia that reaps the greatest benefit, while Europe continues to buy Russian gas.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
The decree suspends measures including customs duties of up to 100% on the five main importers of Russian oil or gas, including China and India (Al Jazeera).
- 02
The US Treasury lifted sanctions on Russian diesel sales until April 2027, a week before the decree (Al Jazeera).
- 03
Republican Senator Thom Tillis calls the decision "beyond irresponsible" and recalls that the law was passed 86-11 in the Senate (Al Jazeera).
ANALYSIS
Doha, October 18, 2026. Qatar's government reports that Donald Trump signed a decree on Friday suspending sanctions against Russia provided for by the Lindsey Graham law, just a few days before they were to come into effect on Sunday. The president cites "national interest" and does not specify when the restrictions could be introduced: they remain suspended until he or high-ranking officials deem new action appropriate.
Qatar's capital places energy at the center of the story, recalling that the law, adopted by large majorities in both chambers, provided for sanctions against officials, banks, and a "ghost fleet" of oil tankers, as well as customs duties of up to 100% on the five main buyers of Russian oil or gas, including China and India. Qatar's government relates the decision to the agreement on Russian diesel announced a week earlier, aimed at reducing energy prices that have soared during the American-Israeli war against Iran. The US Treasury has lifted sanctions on Russian diesel sales until April 2027. For analysts cited by Qatar's government, Russia is the main beneficiary of this exemption.
The text also points to Washington's argument: Donald Trump accuses Europeans of "hypocrisy", with figures showing that European Union countries continue to import Russian gas, hence the question raised in the title about Brussels' purchases.
The Ukrainian reaction is widely relayed. Volodymyr Zelensky judged that the measure "rewards" Vladimir Putin and fears that the lifting of sanctions will continue: the "diesel deal" would be only "the first step". Qatar's government highlights that the decision came on the day Russia targeted 15 power generation facilities, one of the largest attacks on Ukraine's energy network. Kherson and Sumy each reported one death.
Qatar's government finally dedicates an article to the American domestic front. Republican Senator Thom Tillis judges the decision "far more than irresponsible" and asks what the president does not understand about a law voted 86 to 11. His colleague John Cornyn estimates that Lindsey Graham, who died in July, "would be appalled". Democrat Don Beyer speaks of a betrayal of Ukraine. Qatar's government thus describes a gap that is widening between Trump and Zelensky, with European allies joining the chorus of criticism.
