In brief
President Donald Trump has announced the suspension of key Russian sanctions as a tactic to keep Moscow engaged in peace talks over the Ukraine conflict. He defended the move on his Truth Social platform, stating he does not want to drive Russia away from the bargaining table. The decision comes as tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rise, and Russian officials have criticised the order as a historic mistake. The sanctions were originally scheduled to take effect two days later. Analysts warn the waiver could have long‑term economic and diplomatic repercussions for the US and the global market.
President Donald Trump has announced the suspension of several Russian sanctions to keep Moscow at the negotiating table over the Ukraine war.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump said, “I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine,” adding that he “doesn’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table.”
The sanctions were originally due to take effect in two days, but Trump blocked them just before the deadline to avoid a fallout in relations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky has repeatedly warned that Russia does not seek peace and has urged the United States to maintain strong support for Ukraine.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev described the move as an important and truly historic moment, warning that the sanctions would impose ‘serious damage’ on the U.S. and the global market.
The decision comes as tensions between Washington and Kyiv flare, following a controversial U.S. deal to import Russian diesel and allegations that the administration is withdrawing key military aid to Ukraine. In response, Zelensky declared that Ukraine has the right to defend itself, describing recent U.S. strikes against Russian targets as a ‘disgrace.’
For more on this developing story, visit Reuters.
