Ukraine’s Zelensky seeks support to enforce Russian sanctions as US pauses bill

Zelensky urges allies to speak up

Volodymyr Zelensky said he hoped a bill imposing sanctions on Russia could be revived. In a social media statement, he called on Ukraine’s allies to voice their support.

Zelensky described Trump’s decision to pause the measure as unfortunate, without directly criticising the president. He wrote that the bill could help, but needed to be put into effect and backed by supporters.

Rubio explains the pause

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration would take up to 60 days to assess the economic effects of sanctions and tariffs related to Russia. Trump had waived them a day earlier.

Rubio cited high energy prices in the United States and the Iran war, which has disrupted global oil supplies. Speaking before a trip to Uzbekistan, he said officials needed time to consider the effects on the global and US economies.

Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, that he had not yet announced a final decision. The pause comes weeks before November’s midterm elections, as he faces pressure over energy prices.

Lawmakers criticise Trump’s move

Republican Senator Thom Tillis called the pause “beyond irresponsible” and questioned why the administration was not enforcing a law passed by the Senate 86-11. He said it amounted to yielding to a Russian leader who invaded Ukraine.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the decision was giving Russia’s economy support. Senator Elizabeth Warren accused Trump of defying Congress and enabling Vladimir Putin’s war, and urged lawmakers to reverse the course.