WASHINGTON — United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving several congressional sanctions, energy tariffs, and trade restrictions against Russia, escalating diplomatic tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The executive order, issued late Friday, suspended measures passed by the U.S. Congress in September targeting Moscow’s energy revenues. Trump invoked presidential executive power, stating that waiving the penalties was necessary to protect U.S. economic and national interests, following recent arrangements to import Russian diesel to curb domestic energy inflation.
Reacting to the development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Washington’s decision, stating that completely disregarding approved sanctions rewards aggression and weakens international economic pressure on Moscow. Relations between Kyiv and Washington have deteriorated further following Ukraine’s accusations that the Trump administration is reducing critical military support and compromising regional security.
The move has drawn backlash from lawmakers in Washington, with critics accusing the administration of defying congressional intent and undermining democratic allies, while the White House insists the waiver is a temporary measure to stabilize global energy supply chains.
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