Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed his criticism of former President Donald Trump’s recent decision to waive key U.S. sanctions and tariffs on Russia, a move he asserts benefits Moscow and undermines Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself. The waiver, announced by Trump just days before the sanctions were due to take effect, has sparked controversy amid ongoing tensions between Kyiv and Washington.
Zelensky characterized the rollback of the sanctions as a step that “seems wrong” and said it “only fuels [Russia’s] satisfaction and desire to keep killing people,” adding that it does not halt the conflict. While refraining from directly attacking Trump, Zelensky described the repeal of what is referred to as the Lindsey Graham Act—a legislative effort aimed at imposing stricter economic pressure on Russia—as “unfortunate,” emphasizing that the act “could have helped enormously” if properly enforced.
The Ukrainian leader also revealed that the United States is working to arrange a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., potentially to be held in a Middle Eastern country such as the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia, or possibly during the G20 summit scheduled for December in Miami.
The decision to waive sanctions has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers as well. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer condemned the move as a “deal with the devil” that grants Russian President Vladimir Putin “the best birthday gift he’ll get this year.” Schumer accused Trump of undermining American interests by effectively providing “life support” to the Russian economy and aiding an adversary linked to attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East.
Trump justified his executive order by citing “national interests” and framed the decision as part of efforts to ease soaring fuel prices ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The waiver allows diesel imports from Russia, a step Trump previously announced on October 9, which Zelensky described as a betrayal. In response, Trump suggested Ukraine required new leadership.
Analysts have noted the complex interplay between Trump’s domestic political challenges and foreign policy decisions. Samuel Greene, a professor of Russian politics, noted that Trump’s conflict over Iran has inadvertently granted Putin leverage, complicating U.S. policy toward Russia.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed the sanction waiver, calling it “an important and truly historic moment” that would foster economic cooperation between Russia and the United States.
Meanwhile, Zelensky confirmed Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries after a recent pause, underscoring Kyiv’s ongoing military campaign. He also raised concerns regarding the reliability of U.S.-provided technology when he stated that access to Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, had not been fully restored following a shutdown the previous week. Ukraine conducted tests using Starlink terminals within the European Union, finding the system operational outside Ukraine, leading to suspicions the service restrictions were deliberate on Ukrainian soil.
Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, reflected on the strained relations, stating, “We’re fighting for our survival, but Trump is also fighting for his own political survival.”
The latest developments signal growing friction between Washington and Kyiv, complicating the united front that Western allies have sought to maintain against Russia’s ongoing military aggression.