Donald Trump Renews Barack Obama's Executive Order on Ukraine

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the continuation of the national emergency concerning Ukraine amid the country's ongoing war against Russia.

Why It Matters

By designating something a "national emergency," the president can enhance his authority and resources to deal with a crisis, harnessing the special powers written into federal laws and regulations for such situations.

Trump's decision maintains the measures initially established by Barack Obama in an executive order on March 6, 2014, following Russia's annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. Biden extended the same state of emergency in 2024.

What To Know

When Obama announced the order in 2014, he said that it "authorizes sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, or for stealing the assets of the Ukrainian people."

The order was signed as part of a global effort to "condemn [Russia's] violation of international law and to support the people and government of Ukraine."

Trump's continuation of the order comes as the war in Ukraine remains ongoing. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its western neighbor in February 2022.

Trump has steered the U.S. in a new direction over the conflict since taking office. After four years of steadfast support for Ukraine under Biden, relations between Washington and Kyiv have become more tense.

The new administration has been in direct talks with Russia, sidelining Kyiv in the process. Trump has also falsely blamed Ukraine for starting the war and labeled its leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, "a dictator."

A notice filed to the Federal Register on Thursday said that Trump would extend Obama's 2014 executive orders, as well as one issued by Biden in 2022. These sought to expand the scope of the national emergency declaration, i.e. sanctions, with one taking additional steps to address the Russian occupation of Crimea.

The White House emphasized that Russia's continuing actions in Ukraine pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy.

Trump said Tuesday that the immediate lifting of sanctions against Russia was out of the question, but that it could come "at some point." He also said that the U.S. would be ready to either tighten or ease embargoes depending on Russia's willingness to negotiate.

On Thursday, Trump told reporters that he is confident Russian President Vladimir Putin will "keep his word" if an agreement is reached to end Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

What People Are Saying

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he and his Ukrainian counterpart would "be signing an agreement, which will be a very big agreement."

Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky said Wednesday: "This deal could be a great success or it could pass quietly. And the big success depends on our conversation with President Trump."

Former President Barack Obama said while announcing the executive order on March 6, 2014: "We took these steps in close coordination with our European allies. I've spoken to several of our closest friends around the world, and I'm pleased that our international unity is on display at this important moment.

"Already, we've moved together to announced substantial assistance for the government in Kyiv, and today in Brussels, our allies took similar steps to impose costs on Russia. I am confident that we are moving forward together, united in our determination to oppose actions that violate international law and to support the government and people of Ukraine."

What's Next

The notice announcing the national emergency declaration will continue for an additional year, according to a filing in the Federal Register.

Trump and Zelensky are expected to meet in Washington on Friday.