Zelensky Condemns Trump’s Russia Sanctions Waiver, Says It Rewards Putin

US President Donald Trump has waived a sweeping package of newly enacted sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia, drawing sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and intensifying tensions between Washington and Kyiv.

Trump signed an executive order on Friday, October 16, suspending several provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, just days before key measures were due to take effect. The legislation, signed into law in September, was designed to increase pressure on Moscow over its war against Ukraine and penalise countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas.

In the order, Trump said the waivers were in the national interest of the United States. The measures covered sanctions and restrictions on foreign persons, as well as tariffs targeting Russian goods and countries purchasing Russian energy. The White House order, however, stated that the decision did not remove sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders against Russia. White House executive order⁠.

Zelensky criticised the decision, arguing that easing pressure on Russia would benefit President Vladimir Putin and could encourage Moscow to intensify its attacks on Ukraine. He described the move as a reward for the Russian leader at a time when Russian forces have continued targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

The Ukrainian president has also expressed concern over a proposed arrangement involving Russian diesel supplies, warning that such business would send money back to Moscow while the war continues. The reported plan includes substantial deliveries of diesel to help ease pressure on energy prices. The Guardian’s report on Zelensky’s response⁠.

Trump’s decision has also sparked criticism in the US Congress. Lawmakers from both major parties have questioned why the president would suspend measures passed by Congress to increase the economic cost of Russia’s invasion. Some have called for the administration to reverse course.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration would take up to 60 days to assess the economic implications of the sanctions decision. The review comes as the US faces pressure over energy costs ahead of the November midterm elections, while conflicts affecting global oil supplies have added to market uncertainty. Reuters report on the 60-day review⁠.

The waiver marks another setback in relations between Trump and Zelensky, whose disagreements have grown over how to end the war, military support for Ukraine and the level of pressure that should be maintained on Moscow. European leaders have continued to discuss support for Kyiv as Ukraine seeks to sustain its defence against Russia.

While the Trump administration says it is acting in the US national interest, critics argue that easing the new measures could weaken Western leverage over Moscow and undermine efforts to compel Russia to end the war.