Ukraine's president Zelenskyy condemned Trump's decision to suspend Russian sanctions, calling it a reward for Putin and a step that will embolden Moscow. The move comes as Russia launches a major attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, threatening to disrupt power during winter. Zelenskyy warned that the pause would encourage further aggression and called for renewed sanctions to pressure Russia.
Zelenskyy accused Trump of striking a deal with Putin to halt sanctions, which he said would allow Moscow to continue its war. The sanctions pause, part of a broader effort to ease tensions with Russia, was announced by Trump after the Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act was passed by Congress. The act was designed to impose steep tariffs on Russian oil imports and target Russian energy and financial sectors.
The pause has outraged lawmakers, with Sen. Thom Tillis and others condemning Trump's decision as irresponsible. The sanctions bill, which was intended to halt the flow of funds to Putin's war machine, is now in jeopardy. Zelenskyy urged supporters to speak out in favor of the sanctions, emphasizing the need to end the war and prevent further Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy also raised concerns about the functionality of Starlink terminals used by Ukrainian forces, warning that restrictions on their use could hinder drone operations. The issue highlights the reliance of Ukrainian military on U.S. technology and the potential consequences of Trump's policy decisions on the battlefield.