Zelenskyy urges support for new U.S. sanctions on Russia put on hold by Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged supporters on Saturday to advocate for new U.S. sanctions against Russia, following President Donald Trump's executive order delaying the sweeping restrictions. The White House decision has raised concerns that Ukraine could be vulnerable to Russia's increasing attacks as winter sets in.

Overnight Russian attacks killed at least four people, including an ambulance driver, and wounded dozens, according to officials. Ukrainian drones struck a woman in a Russian border region and disrupted flights at Moscow's airports, Russian authorities reported.

Zelenskyy called Trump's decision unfortunate but refrained from directly criticizing the U.S. leader, despite rising tensions between Ukraine and Washington. He emphasized that the Lindsey Graham Act, which could have significantly pressured Russia to end the war, has been effectively put on hold. Zelenskyy thanked lawmakers who supported the legislation, stating that blocking it would encourage Russia to continue killing and limit Ukraine's ability to retaliate, ultimately preventing peace.

Zelenskyy expressed hope that the U.S. president would take action to stop Putin's killing and attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. He revealed that U.S. presidential envoy Jared Kushner met with Ukraine's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, on Friday. The U.S. is reportedly working to arrange a three-way meeting involving Zelenskyy, Trump, and Putin, potentially in the Middle East, Europe, or the United States.

The sanctions legislation, named after late South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, aimed to curb the flow of financial resources supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. It targeted Russian officials, banks, and a fleet of tankers that transport Russian energy. Trump signed the bill last month, just two days before its implementation deadline. Trump claimed the pause was in the national interest but provided no further details.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal criticized Trump's move, accusing him of ignoring the majority of Americans and their representatives, as well as European allies. Blumenthal called the waivers "nothing to do with our national security" and attributed them to "sucking up to Vladimir Putin."

Ukrainian officials are investigating the sudden speed restrictions imposed on Ukraine's use of Starshield, SpaceX's military-grade Starlink satellite internet service. The restrictions, put in place without warning, cut the internet data connection for terminals moving faster than 160 kph (100 mph), slowing Ukrainian drones and making them easier targets for Russian weapons.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk stated that the U.S. government owns and controls the system, with decisions resting with the U.S. military and the president. The Pentagon has not commented on the restrictions.