Trump Waives Some Russia Sanctions Amid Deepening Row With Zelensky

US President Donald Trump has halted several sanctions against Russia, just two days before they were set to take effect, as a dispute with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky intensifies. These sanctions, which aimed at Russia's economy, were passed by the US Congress and signed into law by Trump in September. However, Trump issued an executive order on Friday night, stating that suspending some of these measures was in the US "national interest," drawing criticism from US lawmakers.

Highlights

• US President Trump temporarily suspended a portion of Russia sanctions passed by Congress, citing "national security" concerns.
• The decision has heightened tensions between the US and Ukraine, with President Zelensky publicly criticizing Trump.
• The sanctions targeted Russia's economy, including potential tariffs of up to 100% on imports from top Russian oil and gas purchasers, as well as senior Russian figures and financial institutions.
• Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev called the waiver an "important and historic moment," while US Democrats accused Trump of capitulating to Moscow.
• Ukraine claimed a withdrawal of key military support and disruptions to the US-provided Starlink internet system, further straining relations.

Details

The suspended sanctions aimed to grant Trump broad powers to levy tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, notably China and India. They also included measures against senior Russian figures, including President Putin, as well as Russian financial institutions and Moscow's "shadow fleet" of vessels used to circumvent existing embargoes. Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev praised the waiver as an "important and truly historic moment," arguing that the sanctions would have primarily harmed the US and global market. In contrast, Democrats, including Virginia Congressman Don Beyer, criticized Trump, accusing him of caving to Moscow and abandoning Kyiv.

Relations between Washington and Kyiv have been strained since the US made a controversial deal to import Russian diesel. Ukraine subsequently accused the Trump administration of withdrawing crucial military support. Furthermore, disruptions to the US-provided Starlink satellite system, used by Ukraine, reportedly restricted drone speeds and hampered Kyiv's ability to defend against Russian attacks. Zelensky stated on Friday that Starlink speeds had not yet been fully restored.

Why it matters

Trump's decision to waive some Russia sanctions carries significant implications for both US domestic politics and international relations. This move contradicts the clear intent of the US Congress to punish Russia and risks undermining crucial international support for Ukraine's war efforts. It also raises questions about the balance between US attempts to lower energy prices and Ukraine's critical defense needs, with potential ripple effects on global energy markets.