Volodymyr Zelenskyy slammed Donald Trump’s decision to pause new sanctions on Russia, warning it will only embolden Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian president called the move a “reward” for the Kremlin, issued just as Moscow launched one of its deadliest attacks yet on Ukraine’s power grid.
The timing is brutal. Russia is targeting energy infrastructure to make cities unlivable before winter, while Washington steps back from economic pressure. Zelenskyy argues this retreat hands Putin a free pass to continue the war.
Sanctions On Hold
Trump announced on Friday he would suspend the Lindsey Graham Act, a sweeping package that would have imposed 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil, including China and India. The bill also targeted Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers and financial institutions. It was set to take effect in just two days.
“Unfortunately, the lifting of sanctions will continue, and I believe that the ‘diesel deal’ is the first step,” Zelenskyy said on Saturday. He claimed Putin feels “joy and happiness” at this support, viewing the pause as a signal that the US is prioritizing business over security. Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev hailed the suspension as a “historic moment.”
Energy Under Fire
The diplomatic shift comes alongside a sharp escalation on the ground. Russian strikes have left parts of Ukraine in the dark, with officials reporting massive damage to thermal power plants. Zelenskyy noted that the US had also stopped sharing intelligence on incoming ballistic missile attacks this week, further straining the alliance.
He urged the US to resurrect the sanctions bill, arguing it is the only way to force Moscow to the negotiating table. “We must keep trying to end the war. To end it, not give Putin every reason to continue it indefinitely,” he stated.
Europe Steps In?
With Washington distracted by trade deals and a recent agreement to purchase 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel, Zelenskyy is calling on Europe to take the lead in negotiations with Moscow. The rift between Kyiv and Washington is widening, with Trump demanding Ukraine halt strikes on Russian refineries. For now, the pressure on Russia is easing, and the war is intensifying.
Source: Guardian World
This article was compiled by the IndiaBBCNews editorial system from verified international news sources. Facts have been independently reviewed. Original reporting: Guardian World.
