Zelenskyy Strongly Responds to Trump's Suspension of Russia Sanctions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized US President Donald Trump's decision to suspend a comprehensive new package of sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy stated that this move will embolden the Kremlin administration and lead to an escalation of the war.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Donald Trump's decision to roll back sanctions against Russia serves as a reward for Vladimir Putin, noting that this situation will encourage the Russian leader and escalate the war. The remarks coincided with a period when Moscow launched one of its most fierce attacks on Ukraine's power plants ahead of the winter season.

Zelenskyy stated he expects the US administration could lift further sanctions on Russia in the future, calling on Europe to initiate its own negotiations with Moscow amid an environment where the US is seeking better relations and trade deals with the Kremlin. Speaking on Saturday, Zelenskyy noted his belief that the lifting of sanctions will continue and that a diesel deal is the first step of this.

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he would suspend the comprehensive new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, notifying Congress that the decision was made in the interest of national security. The legislation, which had passed both chambers of Congress and stipulated a 100% tariff on major Russian oil importers such as China and India, as well as sanctions on the energy sector, financial institutions, and the shadow tanker fleet, was named in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Saturday that Trump's sanctions waiver would be a 60-day suspension period intended to analyze the impact of these measures on the global and US economies. On the same day, Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched one of its heaviest attacks on energy infrastructure, striking over 15 critical generation and transmission facilities, which had severe consequences.