Trump waives multiple Russia sanctions as relations with Zelensky deteriorate

What happened

BBC Europe Ukraine reports that US President Donald Trump temporarily blocked several sanctions on Russia, enacted by Congress in September, just two days before they were due to take effect. Trump justified the move by citing national security interests, prompting backlash from US lawmakers and criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The sanctions law had empowered Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India, and targeted top Russian officials, financial institutions, and Moscow's so-called 'shadow fleet' used to evade embargoes. Many of these provisions have now been waived by Trump’s executive order.

Zelensky condemned the US decision as 'unfortunate', saying the sanctions could have significantly pressured Russia to end its war against Ukraine. He highlighted recent Russian attacks on 15 Ukrainian energy facilities causing widespread power cuts and warned of Russia’s intent to trigger blackouts ahead of winter. Zelensky also indicated that Ukrainian negotiators have engaged with US counterparts to discuss next steps, with potential follow-up talks planned.

Known from the source

• Trump issued an executive order suspending some US sanctions on Russia shortly before they were due to take effect.
• The sanctions targeted Russian economy sectors, officials including Putin, financial institutions, and Moscow's fleet circumventing embargoes.
• Zelensky publicly criticized the US decision and voiced concerns about recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure causing power outages.
• US lawmakers from both parties expressed criticism of the waiver, citing risks of aiding Russia’s war effort.
• The US faces internal political pressure over energy prices and its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

What remains unclear

The sanction waiver sparked criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans in the US Congress. Democratic Congressman Don Beyer accused Trump of capitulating to Moscow and betraying Ukraine, while Republican Senators Ted Cruz, John Cornyn, and Thom Tillis described the move as a mistake and 'reckless,' raising concerns that it indirectly benefits Russia’s war effort. The waiver follows a controversial US-Russian diesel import deal that further strained US-Ukraine relations.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Full official list and details of sanctions waived by Trump’s executive order. Verification of Trump’s claim that Russia and Ukraine agreed to an 'energy ceasefire' for diesel exports. Details of Ukraine-US negotiations mentioned by Zelensky following the waiver announcement.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: BBC Europe Ukraine. Open the source.