'Getting paid by Putin': Democrats criticise Trump

Several US representatives and Democrats have blasted President Donald Trump's decision to waive sanctions on Russian fuel sales, a month after signing a bill aimed at punishing Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. The law, now on hold, would have imposed tariffs of up to 100% on goods from Russia's top five crude oil and gas importers, including India and China.

Trump's move has been criticized as siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin and betraying Ukraine. California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Trump of getting paid by Putin, though the exact amount remains unconfirmed. Representative Don Beyer called the waiver a surrender to Putin and a betrayal to Ukraine, urging Congress to fix the flawed law.

Representative Don Bacon stated that Trump is prolonging the war by not ending it. Former world chess champion and Putin critic Garry Kasparov accused Trump of prolonging the conflict and killing more innocent Ukrainians. Trump cited Section 115 of the Graham Act, claiming his waiver is in the national interest and submitted a certification along with a report explaining his decision.