U.S. President Donald Trump waived sanctions on Russia two days before they were due to take effect, escalating tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The move, under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, saw a 500% duty increase on Russian goods largely waived, drawing immediate congressional criticism.
Trump's decision to suspend sanctions on Russia's economy, including tariffs on top oil importers, followed a controversial deal to import Russian diesel. This sparked backlash from Democrats and European allies, with Zelensky warning the move risks further sanctions relief for Moscow. Trump accused Ukraine of 'disgrace' for targeting Russian refineries, while Zelensky defended his actions as 'only leverage' for peace talks.
Ukraine's reliance on U.S.-provided satellite systems for battlefield communications has been disrupted, raising concerns about its ability to counter Russian attacks. European leaders pledged increased support for Kyiv, seeking €70 billion in additional funding, as tensions with Trump deepen. The waivers underscore a shift in U.S. policy, with critics accusing Trump of aligning with Moscow despite congressional intent to penalize Russia.