Over peace talks, trump defends russia sanctions waivers, accuses zelenskyy of prolonging war
Trump explains sanctions decisions
Trump said Sunday that he had waived some sanctions to avoid pushing Russia away from peace negotiations. He also accused Zelenskyy of not wanting the conflict to end, while claiming Ukraine was targeting Russian refineries to damage Republicans’ prospects in the midterm elections.
An executive order signed late Friday suspended broad new sanctions required under legislation named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump also temporarily lifted restrictions on Russian diesel exports, saying the move could increase global supplies and reduce fuel costs before the November 3 midterms.
Polls indicate Republicans may lose ground as voters react to fuel prices that have risen since the Iran war began in late February. Most economists, however, expect the sanctions suspension and diesel arrangement to have little effect on prices in the United States. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump wanted to evaluate the measures’ effects on the US and global economies.
Kyiv warns about US support
Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not win its defensive fight if the United States sided with Russia. In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” he called a US withdrawal of support a historic mistake and a major tragedy.
He said US intelligence sharing had resumed after a temporary halt, but Ukraine had gone three days without crucial information about ballistic missile attacks. Zelenskyy also objected to US restrictions affecting Ukraine, saying the countries were strategic partners and that Kyiv could not applaud a turn against it.
The remarks followed talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Zelenskyy said the US position mattered greatly, and discussed deliveries of Patriot air defense systems as Ukraine faced Russian missiles.
Energy attacks deepen tensions
Russia and Ukraine struck each other’s energy infrastructure as diplomatic efforts continued, leaving thousands without electricity in Ukraine and setting an oil refinery near Saint Petersburg on fire. Zelenskyy said Moscow had breached Trump’s energy ceasefire 76 times and intended to leave Ukrainians without heat and power before winter.
He reported that Russian attacks had cut power to tens of thousands, while Ukrainian officials said three people had died. Moscow said a Ukrainian drone attack late Sunday hit Saint Petersburg, described as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hometown, and killed one person.
The US-led effort to end the war has not produced a breakthrough, and Trump has voiced frustration with both Zelenskyy and Putin. Kyiv and its allies have responded sharply to the sanctions decisions, adding to tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy.
Key points
- Trump defended easing some Russia sanctions, saying he wanted to keep Moscow engaged in peace talks.
- Zelenskyy warned Ukraine could not prevail if the United States supported Russia.
- Economists expect the sanctions pause and Russian diesel deal to have little effect on US fuel prices.
- Attacks on energy infrastructure caused power outages and deaths, according to Ukrainian officials and Moscow.