President Donald Trump defended his decision to waive new sanctions on Russia on Oct. 18, arguing that it could keep Moscow in peace talks, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that the relief would strengthen Russia's war effort as Kyiv continued discussions with U.S. envoys.
Trump's comments followed an executive order he signed two days earlier that paused broad sanctions and tariffs scheduled to take effect under a law named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham. He stated that enforcing the measures could drive Russia away from negotiations. He also claimed without giving details that progress was being made, including in discussions over hostages.
Speaking to NBC, Zelenskyy said easing sanctions would bolster Russian President Vladimir Putin. He warned that Ukraine could not win if Washington sided with Moscow. On Sunday, Zelenskyy also spoke with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner about diplomacy, saying teams from both countries remained in frequent contact.
Meanwhile, Trump accused Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war. Trump also criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, arguing that the attacks were disrupting fuel markets. The sanctions pause came alongside a separate temporary easing of restrictions on Russian diesel exports, another move criticized by Kyiv and its partners.
The exchange highlighted the divide between Trump's argument that lowering pressure could aid negotiations and Ukraine's stance that sanctions are required to restrain Moscow while talks continue.