Zelensky warns Trump’s Russia sanctions relief rewards Putin and risks further concessions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed apprehension on October 18 that the United States would lift further sanctions on Russia, citing President Donald Trump's executive order waiving US sanctions targeting Russia's energy revenues. The decision came amid Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine, leading to hundreds of thousands of casualties and millions displaced.

Trump had reportedly agreed a deal with Putin to allow exports of Russian diesel in exchange for easing sanctions. Zelensky warned that further sanctions relief could encourage Putin's aggression. He urged US allies to pressure Russia to end the war, stating that easing sanctions would not motivate Putin to cease his attacks. Russia's response to the Trump move was seen as a "historic" win by Kremlin officials, while Zelensky continued to rally support for his country during a visit to Brussels for a European Union summit.