Zelenskyy Urges Support for US-Suspended Russia Sanctions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for support to stand behind new US sanctions just hours after US President Donald Trump signed a decree suspending sweeping sanctions against Russia.

The White House decision has heightened concerns that Ukraine could be left vulnerable to mounting attacks from Moscow as winter approaches. In a statement on social media, Zelenskyy described Trump's decision as unfortunate, though he avoided directly criticizing the US leader despite the tension with Washington.

Zelenskiy stated, "Unfortunately, a decision was made in America that completely ignores the Lindsey Graham Act, which needs to genuinely exert effective pressure on Russia to end the war." Thanking Democrats and Republicans who supported the act, Zelenskyy noted that blocking the legislation would embolden Russia.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump said that his final decision regarding sanctions on Russia was not yet fully known, despite signing a decree on Friday night waiving the sanctions by citing national interests. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy noted that as part of contacts with Washington, chief negotiator Rustem Umerov met with US special envoy Jared Kushner on Friday, and that the US is seeking to organize a tripartite summit in the Middle East, Europe, or the United States.