Trump faces bipartisan backlash over Russia sanctions waiver

President Donald Trump has faced bipartisan backlash for waiving sanctions targeting Russia and countries that purchase its oil and gas. The sanctions were set to take effect under a law Trump signed last month. In an executive order, Trump stated the waiver was in the US national interest and that restrictions would remain suspended until further action was deemed appropriate. Both Democrats and Republicans condemned the decision, with Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn criticizing it as irresponsible and a betrayal of congressional intent. Democratic Representative Don Beyer and Senator Elizabeth Warren also voiced strong disapproval, arguing the move undermines support for Ukraine and enables Russia's ongoing invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that a decision by Donald Trump to pause new sanctions on Russia will intensify the war in Ukraine. This comes as Russia launched significant strikes on Ukraine's power plants, aiming to disrupt cities before winter. Zelenskyy views the sanctions pause, including a "diesel deal" to purchase Russian fuel, as a reward that emboldens Russian President Vladimir Putin. He urged Europe to pursue its own negotiations with Moscow, anticipating further sanctions relief from the Trump administration. The paused legislation, known as the Lindsey Graham Act, would have imposed tariffs on Russian oil importers and sanctions on Russia's energy and financial sectors. Russian officials have welcomed the suspension of these sanctions.