On Saturday, American lawmakers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned an order by President Donald Trump that halted a package of sweeping sanctions against Russia.
On Friday night, Trump signed an executive order granting Russia an exemption from mandatory sanctions mandated by a bill associated with the late Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican, South Carolina). Graham had been a staunch advocate for this measure before his sudden passing in July. Trump stated that he granted this exemption in the interest of national security, though he provided no further explanation.
Under the law, these sanctions were set to take effect on Sunday. Their objective was to increase pressure on the Russian economy and deprive it of the financial resources needed to continue the war against Ukraine. The bill also targeted the world’s five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas and included an expansion of sanctions against Iran.
Several members of Congress including Senators John Cornyn (Republican, Texas) and Thom Tillis (Republican, North Carolina), both of whose Senate terms are ending in January rejected the decision to grant these exemptions.
Writing on the social media platform X, Cornyn remarked, "Lindsey would be furious." He was referring to Graham, who was well-known for his harsh criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his steadfast support for Ukraine. Cornyn who faced a stiff challenge in the May Republican primary from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a candidate backed by Trump adopted an even tougher stance in two subsequent posts.
In one post, he shared an article from National Review that called on Congress to investigate how Trump might be "aiding and abetting" Putin. In another statement, the Republican senator from Texas remarked that assisting Putin is an "irresponsible" act, one that is detrimental to U.S. national security interests.
Referring to the Russian president, Cornyn stated, "He won't stop at Ukraine; our NATO allies will be next."
On Saturday, in a post on X, Tillis described Trump’s decision to suspend sanctions on Russia as "highly irresponsible." He remarked, "It is unacceptable for the current administration to bow before a Russian dictator who has illegally invaded Ukraine and is massacring innocent civilians every single day." Tillis announced last year that he would not seek a third term; he has also openly disagreed with Trump on other issues.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for further details regarding Trump’s decision.
This decision follows an announcement made by the administration earlier this month that the United States would import diesel from Russia in an effort to lower energy costs.
With the midterm elections approaching next month, Trump is facing pressure regarding the issue of diesel prices. Inflation and the rising costs of daily living have become a major concern for voters. Trump’s announced deal to import Russian oil faced strong opposition from both major parties—the Republicans and the Democrats.
Following this announcement, America’s allies in Europe also reaffirmed their support for Zelenskyy.
According to a previous report by The Washington Post, while an oil deal with Russia might lower prices in the U.S. to some extent, the volume of imports represents only a small fraction of total American consumption; therefore, its impact on prices is expected to be limited.
Alongside this deal, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has lifted sanctions on Russian diesel. According to the Department, the sale of this fuel to the United States will be permitted to continue until April.
Russia launched its war against Ukraine in 2022. Since then, the United States and its European allies have largely remained united in their support for Ukraine. However, unease has grown within this alliance during Trump’s presidency.
On several occasions, Trump has openly expressed his displeasure with Zelenskyy, holding him responsible for the failure to end the war with Russia.
In a social media post on Saturday, Zelenskyy criticized the decision made on Friday, pointing to Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector.
He stated, "The sudden lifting of U.S. sanctions, the easing of pressure on the aggressor nation, and providing a financial benefit to Putin all of this only encourages him to carry out further attacks." "We must not retreat from our position." Democrats also reacted swiftly and sharply to this move, describing it as tantamount to surrendering to Putin.
Don Beyer, a Democratic member of the House of Representatives from Virginia, wrote on X: "Trump’s latest capitulation to Putin is another betrayal of our Ukrainian partners, and it violates the clear intent of legislation enacted to punish Russia for its illegal war of aggression."
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut stated on Saturday morning: "These exemptions have nothing to do with our national security; rather, their purpose is to please Vladimir Putin." He added, "I hope my Republican colleagues will join me in condemning this shameful and cowardly move."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) wrote, "Trump has just given Putin the best birthday gift of the year. By propping up the Russian economy, Trump’s deal with the devil is becoming even more sinister."
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois wrote on X, "President Trump has once again chosen to bow before the Kremlin. Lindsey Graham, John McCain, and Ronald Reagan must be turning in their graves."
Meanwhile, the decision was welcomed in Moscow. Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy for Russia, described it as "an important and truly historic moment."
He stated, "Economic cooperation between Russia and the United States is in the interest of both nations, contributes to the stability of the global economy, and provides a foundation for restoring trust and establishing lasting peace."
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie from Kentucky also supported Trump’s move. He wrote on X that he was "pleased" to see that Trump had "suspended almost all provisions of this foolish law, insofar as they relate to Russia."
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