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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced strong concern on Saturday that US President Donald Trump will continue lifting sanctions on Russia, warning that easing economic restrictions only “rewards” Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
Trump escalated tensions with Kyiv on Friday by signing an executive order waiving sweeping US energy sanctions under the Lindsey Graham Act.
The waiver followed Trump’s announced deal with Putin to permit Russian diesel exports in exchange for sanction relief, triggering fears in Kyiv of further concessions to Moscow.
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The policy shift occurred on the same day Russian forces launched one of their largest air assaults against Ukraine’s energy grid, striking 15 critical power facilities and killing at least two people in Kherson and Sumy.
Zelensky cautioned that the easing of pressure directly encourages continued Russian aggression as winter approaches.
“A U.S. sanctions blackout, easing pressure on the aggressor, financial rewards for Putin — all of this only encourages him to keep attacking,” Zelensky warned, emphasising that “you cannot achieve peace by limiting Ukraine’s responses to Russia for killing our people.”
Russian officials celebrated the sanctions waiver, with Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev calling the decision an “important and truly historic moment” that prevented damage to global markets.
Meanwhile, Putin appeared in military uniform to reaffirm Moscow’s intent to seize control of eastern Ukraine by force, citing positive momentum along the frontlines.
Seeking to bolster international support amid his rift with Washington, Zelensky visited Brussels to urge European Union leaders to maintain continuous military and financial assistance for Ukraine.
