Republican lawmaker hits out at Trump over Russia sanctions waiver, says he is 'prolonging the war, not ending it'

Republican lawmaker Thom Tillis called President Donald Trump's decision to waive key Russia sanctions "beyond irresponsible" after the president signed an executive order on Friday evening. The order came just two days before the sanctions were set to take effect, prolonging the conflict in Ukraine rather than ending it, according to Tillis.

The decision drew criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Nebraska Republican Representative Don Bacon, who stated that the president is prolonging the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also criticized the move, stating that the sanctions could have helped pressure Russia to end the war and prevented Russia from causing a blackout in Ukraine before winter.

A senior Russian official praised the waiver, stating that it marks an "important and truly historic moment" and that economic cooperation benefits both nations.