Trump Waives Russia Sanctions Amid Zelensky Rift

US President Donald Trump has suspended several sanctions targeting Russia, triggering criticism from lawmakers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as tensions between Washington and Kyiv continue to escalate. The measures were due to take effect two days later under legislation Trump signed in September.

Sanctions Suspension Draws Backlash

Trump issued an executive order on Friday saying suspending parts of the sanctions was in the US national interest. The legislation had empowered his administration to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India. The law also targeted senior Russian officials, financial institutions and vessels accused of helping Moscow evade existing oil restrictions. Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed the suspension, arguing that the sanctions would have harmed the US and global markets.

Lawmakers Accuse Trump of Favouring Moscow

Democratic lawmakers criticised the decision, accusing Trump of weakening pressure on Russia and abandoning Ukraine. Virginia Congressman Don Beyer said the move undermined Congress’s intention to penalise Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky also condemned the suspension, saying the sanctions could have helped significantly by restricting the money available to support Russia’s war effort.

Diesel Deal Deepens US-Ukraine Dispute

The decision comes amid growing friction over a controversial US agreement to import Russian diesel as fuel prices rise during the war involving Iran. Zelensky has argued that the arrangement would provide Moscow with additional revenue to continue its military campaign. Trump later announced an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but Kyiv said it would halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure only if Moscow did the same. After further Russian attacks, Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries, prompting Trump to condemn the move as a disgrace. Zelensky responded that he was defending Ukraine’s interests, while Trump accused him of being difficult to negotiate with.

Starlink Disruption Raises Security Concerns

Relations have also been strained by restrictions affecting Starlink, the satellite internet network used by Ukrainian forces. Kyiv said reduced speeds disrupted some drone operations and weakened its ability to respond to Russian attacks. Zelensky said the network had not been fully restored. Trump has denied deliberately slowing Starlink or stopping intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.

Russian Attacks Leave Dead and Injured

Ukrainian authorities reported that at least nine people had been killed and around 60 injured in Russian attacks across the country over a 24-hour period. In Kherson, an ambulance driver was killed and 20 others were injured in strikes reported on Saturday morning. Russia’s defence ministry said its attacks targeted facilities connected to Ukraine’s defence industry, including steelworks, an electrical substation and a cargo vessel in the Black Sea. Zelensky also reported attacks on 15 Ukrainian energy facilities, warning that Russia was trying to cause widespread power outages as winter approaches.

Pressure Mounts on Washington

The sanctions suspension adds to concerns in Kyiv and among Ukraine’s European allies about the direction of US policy. With energy infrastructure under attack and military support a source of uncertainty, Zelensky continues to urge Washington and its partners to maintain pressure on Moscow.