US President Donald Trump has suspended numerous sanctions targeting Russia just days before they were scheduled to take effect, triggering criticism from American lawmakers and adding to tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The sanctions were approved by the US Congress and signed into law by Trump in September. However, an executive order issued on Friday night suspended several provisions, with Trump arguing that the move was in the national interest of the United States.
The decision has drawn criticism from Democrats, who accuse the president of weakening pressure on Moscow despite Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
New Sanctions Were Designed to Target Russia’s Economy
The legislation gave Trump broad authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, particularly China and India.
It also provided for sanctions against senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, as well as Russian financial institutions and vessels belonging to Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet, which is used to bypass existing restrictions.
Many of these measures have now been waived under Trump’s executive order.
Virginia Congressman Don Beyer was among the Democrats who criticised the decision, accusing the president of abandoning Ukraine and yielding to Moscow.
“Trump’s latest surrender to Putin again betrays our Ukrainian partners and defies clear congressional intent of legislation designed to punish Russia for its illegal war of aggression,” Beyer wrote on X.
Decision Adds to Growing Dispute Between Trump and Zelensky
The sanctions suspension comes as relations between Washington and Kyiv deteriorate following disagreements over US policy towards Russia.
Last week, Trump and Zelensky exchanged sharp remarks. Speaking at a European Union summit, the Ukrainian president said it was good to be among “real leaders” after Trump described him as “more difficult to deal with” than Putin.
Ukraine has repeatedly called for tougher sanctions against Russia, arguing that restrictions on Moscow’s economy are necessary to limit the money available to support its military campaign.
The latest decision is therefore expected to generate further frustration in Kyiv.
Russian Diesel Deal Draws Criticism From Ukraine
The dispute intensified after the Trump administration temporarily suspended certain US sanctions to allow imports of Russian diesel in an effort to reduce rising energy prices.
Fuel costs have increased sharply during the war involving Iran, putting pressure on American consumers and creating political challenges for Trump ahead of the US midterm elections. Rising inflation has also affected his standing with the public.
Zelensky criticised the arrangement, suggesting that allowing Russian fuel exports amounted to the United States contributing to the financing of Moscow’s war effort.
Several days later, Trump said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an “energy ceasefire” intended to facilitate Russian diesel exports.
Energy Infrastructure Attacks Continue Despite Ceasefire Claim
Russia and Ukraine have continued to attack each other’s energy infrastructure.
Kyiv says its strikes are intended to reduce the revenue Russia receives to fund its military operations. Moscow, meanwhile, maintains that it targets facilities used by the Ukrainian military.
Zelensky initially expressed surprise at Trump’s announcement of an energy ceasefire but said Ukraine would halt its attacks if Russia did the same.
After three days marked by several additional Russian attacks, Kyiv resumed strikes against Russian oil refineries.
Trump condemned the Ukrainian strikes, describing them as a “disgrace”. Zelensky responded that he was acting to protect Ukraine’s interests.
Starlink Disruption Raises Further Concerns in Kyiv
Questions about the level of US support for Ukraine have also increased following an unexpected restriction affecting Starlink, the satellite internet service used by Ukrainian forces.
Last week, Starlink restricted the speed at which drones could travel while maintaining an internet connection. Ukraine said the disruption affected some battlefield missions and made it more difficult to defend against incoming Russian attacks.
During the slowdown, Russia launched several deadly strikes on Ukrainian territory. Residents and Ukrainian officials said some of the attacks occurred without prior warning.
Zelensky said on Friday that Starlink speeds had not yet been fully restored.
Trump has denied stopping intelligence-sharing with Ukraine or deliberately slowing the country’s Starlink network.
The suspension of sanctions and the disputes over Russian diesel, energy infrastructure and satellite connectivity have added to the strain in relations between Washington and Kyiv as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues.
