Trump waives several Russia sanctions as row with Zelensky intensifies

Donald Trump has lifted several sanctions on Russia just days before they were scheduled to take effect, amidst a deteriorating relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The sanctions, passed by the US Congress and signed into law by Trump himself in September, aimed to punish Russia for its "illegal war of aggression."

However, Trump issued an executive order on Friday night claiming that suspending certain sanctions was in the US "national interest," sparking outrage among US lawmakers. Tensions between Washington and Kyiv escalated this week over a controversial deal to import Russian diesel, with Ukraine accusing the US administration of withdrawing crucial military support.

The Trump administration and Zelensky have engaged in a series of sharp exchanges throughout the week, with Zelensky calling it "nice to be among 'real leaders'" after Trump described him as "more difficult to deal with" than Russian President Vladimir Putin. The new sanctions law targeted Russia's economy, granting Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from Russia's top five oil and gas consumers, primarily China and India, as well as sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions, and Moscow's "shadow fleet."

Many of these provisions have now been waived by Trump. Critics, including Democratic Congressman Don Beyer, have condemned the move, accusing Trump of appeasing Moscow and abandoning Ukraine, while also arguing that it defies the clear congressional intent of the legislation.