In brief
In a move that has stunned diplomats, President Donald Trump announced the suspension of several U.S. sanctions against Russia on his Truth Social feed, arguing the pause will keep Moscow on the negotiating table. Trump warned that any action which might drive Russia away from the table would be counter‑productive. The sanctions were due to come into force only two days later, just as a heated spat grew between the United States and Ukraine. Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev hailed the decision as a historic moment, but cautioned that the move would cause serious economic damage to the U.S. and global markets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the Trump administration for withdrawing key military aid, claiming the pause could undermine Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
President Donald Trump announced that the United States would temporarily lift a slate of sanctions targeting Russia, saying the decision was meant to keep Moscow on the bargaining table as peace talks continue.
The leader posted the move on his Truth Social platform, adding that he would avoid any step that might push Russia “foolishly” off the negotiating table. Trump detailed that the sanctions were slated to take effect in two days, just before a widening conflict between the United States and Ukraine.
Zelensky, who has urged the end of fighting and has consistently warned that Russia “doesn’t want peace,” criticized the president for withdrawing key military support. Ukrainian officials claim the strike was part of a controversial deal to import Russian diesel last week, further straining ties.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev described the sanction relief as an “important and truly historic moment,” warning that the measures would inflict serious damage on the U.S. and global markets. He also criticised Zelensky’s stance, asserting that the Ukrainian leader “doesn’t want to end this war.”
The decision comes after a series of escalating exchanges, with the Trump administration accusing Ukraine of calling Russian strikes a “disgrace,” prompting Zelensky to say Ukraine has the right to defend itself. Analysts note that this move may influence future negotiations and could reshape U.S. foreign policy in the region.
