In brief
President Donald Trump reversed several sanctions on Russia just two days before they were due to take effect, sparking anger among U.S. lawmakers and Ukrainian leaders. Zelensky decried the move as a disregard for the U.S. commitment to pressure Moscow, highlighting the importance of sanctions in curbing Russian war finance. The short‑term waiver, intended to ease U.S. fuel costs, has intensified the diplomatic spat, with critics accusing Trump of siding with Russia. U.S. senators from both parties condemned the pause, while the Republican ally Ted Cruz called it a mistake. Meanwhile, Ukraine has reported continued Russian attacks, including strikes on its energy infrastructure, raising fears of a winter blackout.
Donald Trump suspended a batch of U.S. sanctions on Russia two days before enactment, a move that has sharply widened a fraying relationship with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The curbs, passed by Congress and signed in September, targeted Russian oil, gas buyers—including China and India—and key officials, aiming to blunt Moscow’s war funding.
Trump’s executive order halted the sanctions for 60 days, citing national interest, but drew fire from both Democrats and Republicans who warned the waiver would merely hand huge financial relief to Russia.
Zelensky called the decision “completely disregard” the U.S. pledge to put pressure on Russia, arguing the measures could help the war effort that threatens Ukraine’s energy grid—particularly after overnight attacks on Zaporizhzhia and other regions.
The pause also follows a U.S. controversy over an emergency diesel import deal, which critics said undercut Ukraine’s strategic position in the conflict.
U.S. senators—Ted Cruz, John Cornyn, Thom Tillis, and Don Bacon—lined up in opposition, calling the waiver reckless and irresponsible, and warning that it would erode U.S. credibility in Europe.
The sanctions suspension has amplified the debate over U.S. support for Ukraine, with the president’s aides insisting the relief benefits global markets and energy stability, while Kyiv demands continued firm backing to halt Russian aggression.
