Trump Waives Russia Sanctions; Zelenskyy Calls Move 'Wrong'

President Donald Trump signed an executive order late Friday evening waiving key sanctions and tariffs under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which Congress had passed just weeks earlier and which Trump himself had signed into law in September. The waiver, effective immediately, suspends duties on Russian goods and penalties for countries purchasing Russian oil and gas that were scheduled to take effect the following week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the decision on social media, writing that the move seems wrong and definitely helps only the Russians. He argued the waiver emboldens President Vladimir Putin and will encourage further Russian aggression, pointing out that Russia struck more than 15 Ukrainian power generation and transmission sites on the same day the order was issued. Zelenskyy warned that the action fuels Russia's desire to keep attacking and does not stop the war.

Lawmakers from both parties swiftly criticized the waiver. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of keeping the Russian economy on life support and called the deal with the devil dirtier. Representative Don Beyer said the move betrays Ukrainian partners and defies clear congressional intent. Several Republican lawmakers, including Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn and Representative French Hill, also denounced the decision as irresponsible and contrary to the will of Congress.