Zelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia after Trump puts them on hold

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed disappointment on Saturday over President Donald Trump's decision to pause new U.S. sanctions against Russia, despite the sanctions being intended to pressure Moscow into ending the ongoing war. The White House's move has heightened concerns that Ukraine could be left vulnerable to Russia's increasing aggression as winter approaches.

In the aftermath of Russian missile strikes that claimed at least four lives, including an ambulance driver, and injured dozens, Zelenskyy criticized the U.S. leader's decision in a social media post. He emphasized that blocking the bipartisan Lindsey Graham Act would embolden Russia to continue its brutal assaults and provide no relief to Ukraine's war-torn population.

Zelenskyy praised the support of Democrats and Republicans who backed the legislation and urged the U.S. President to take further action to end the escalation. He pleaded for Russia to stop killing and attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure, stressing that such actions would not bring peace.

The sanctions, named after late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, aimed to restrict financial resources supporting Russia's 4.5-year war against Ukraine. The bill sought to sanction Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers that facilitate the transportation of Russian energy. Trump signed the legislation just last month, pausing its implementation two days before a crucial deadline. The president claimed the pause was in the nation's interest but did not elaborate further.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a co-author of the bill, denounced Trump's move as turning his back on the majority of Americans, their representatives in both houses of Congress, and European allies. He alleged that the waivers had nothing to do with national security and everything to do with appeasing Vladimir Putin.

Additionally, Russian forces carried out a massive strike on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, targeting more than 15 sites nationwide. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched four cruise missiles and 332 attack drones overnight, with all missiles and 289 drones either suppressed or destroyed. Zelenskyy highlighted the severity of Russia's relentless assaults on Ukraine's energy sector, which have caused significant consequences for the country.

The Ukrainian air force reported that Russian forces launched four cruise missiles and 332 attack drones during the night, with all missiles and 289 drones either neutralized or destroyed. Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a government program to aid in the restoration of trade and logistics facilities damaged by Ukrainian drone attacks.