Trump faces bipartisan backlash over Russia sanctions waiver

Republicans and Democrats condemn Trump’s decision to suspend sanctions, saying it undermines support for Ukraine.United States President Donald Trump has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans after waiving sanctions targeting Russia and countries that buy its oil and gas, days before the restrictions were due to take effect under a law he signed last month.In an executive order signed on Friday, Trump said the waiver was in the US national interest. He did not specify when the restrictions might be introduced, saying they would remain suspended until he or senior officials determined further action was appropriate.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Trump puts on hold new Russia sanctions he signed into lawlist 2 of 3Ukraine pushes Russian forces back as US support waverslist 3 of 3Trump eases Russia oil sanctions, but is Europe still buying Moscow’s gas?end of listThe move has been condemned by both Democrats and Republicans.Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina called the decision “beyond irresponsible”, accusing the administration of capitulating to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched a full-scale Ukraine" class="entity-link entity-event" data-entity-id="129729" data-entity-type="event">invasion of Ukraine in 2022.“What part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate does the President and his advisers not understand?” Tillis wrote on social media on Saturday.Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas also criticised the move, saying the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who championed the legislation, “would be appalled”.Representative Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, said Trump’s move betrayed Ukraine and disregarded Congress’s intent to punish Russia for its invasion.Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts accused Trump of “thumbing his nose” at Congress and enabling Putin to continue his war against Ukraine, urging colleagues to take action to reverse the decision.