Trump waives Russia sanctions and calls on Zelenskyy to step aside

President Donald Trump blocked several sanctions on Russia before they were scheduled to take effect, drawing swift criticism from lawmakers in both parties. The BBC and The Hill reported that Trump defended the decision as necessary to maintain active peace talks with Moscow. Roll Call added that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle criticized the administration, arguing the actions effectively ally the United States government with the Kremlin during its ongoing war in Ukraine. [1][2][5][12]

Trump stated on Truth Social that he is attempting to negotiate peace and does not want to drive Russia away from the bargaining table, the BBC and The Hill reported. The decision to suspend the measures came as tensions deepened between the White House and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. [2][5][12]

The Washington Examiner and The Guardian reported that Trump suggested Zelenskyy nominate another representative to conduct peace negotiations with Russia. According to the Washington Examiner, Trump made the remarks as he departed the White House for a campaign event in Kansas. His comments came after Zelenskyy said the United States president was on the wrong side of history. [3][8]

Bipartisan opposition to the decision grew in Congress. The Hill reported that Representative Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio, expressed opposition to waiving the sanctions following a deal to permit Russian diesel into global markets. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, also criticized the waiver, stating that former political leaders would be ashamed of the decision. [6][7]