Trump Suspends Key Russia Sanctions Amid Growing Tensions With Zelensky

US President Donald Trump has suspended several sanctions against Russia just days before they were due to take effect, sparking criticism from American lawmakers and deepening tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump issued an executive order on Friday, October 16, 2026, declaring that waiving some of the sanctions was in the United States' national interest. The measures had been passed by Congress and signed into law in September.

Sanctions Decision Draws Backlash

The legislation gave Trump broad powers to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports from major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India. It also targeted Russian financial institutions, senior officials and vessels accused of helping Moscow evade existing restrictions.

Following Trump's decision, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev described the waiver as a historic moment, arguing that the sanctions could have harmed the US and global markets. However, Democratic lawmakers criticised the move, accusing Trump of weakening pressure on Moscow and undermining support for Ukraine.

Zelensky Condemns Move as Russian Attacks Continue

Zelensky said the sanctions could have helped significantly in pressuring Russia to end its war against Ukraine. He also accused Washington of disregarding measures intended to restrict Moscow's ability to finance its military operations.

The Ukrainian president pointed to overnight Russian attacks on 15 Ukrainian energy facilities, which reportedly caused power cuts in several regions ahead of winter. Ukrainian authorities also reported casualties following strikes across the country.

At least nine people were reported killed and around 60 injured in Russian attacks over a 24-hour period, according to Ukrainian authorities. Russia's defence ministry said its strikes targeted industries linked to Ukraine's defence sector.

Disputes Over Energy and Military Support

Relations between Washington and Kyiv have deteriorated following a controversial US decision to temporarily ease some restrictions to facilitate Russian diesel imports amid rising energy prices linked to the Iran war.

Zelensky criticised the arrangement, arguing that purchases of Russian energy could indirectly support Moscow's war effort. Trump later said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy ceasefire, but fresh attacks on energy infrastructure followed, prompting renewed accusations between the two sides.

Concerns have also emerged over Ukraine's access to Starlink, the satellite internet system used by Ukrainian forces. Kyiv said unexpected restrictions disrupted some drone operations, while Zelensky reported that US officials attributed the issue to technical problems. Trump has denied deliberately restricting Ukraine's military support.

Diplomatic Relations Remain Uncertain

Despite the growing disagreements, Zelensky said Ukrainian and American negotiators had spoken and could meet the following week. However, he expressed concern that the Trump administration might ease additional sanctions against Russia.

The latest decision highlights the challenges facing US-Ukraine relations as Washington balances energy costs, diplomatic efforts and pressure on Moscow over the ongoing war. Its impact will depend on how the sanctions waivers are implemented and whether further negotiations produce progress towards ending the conflict.