Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized US President Donald Trump’s decision to waive sweeping sanctions and tariffs against Russia, warning that the move could embolden Moscow and intensify its military aggression against Ukraine.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, October 17, Zelensky described the decision as a setback for efforts to pressure Russia into ending its invasion of Ukraine.
"The decision to undo all of this, to block all of it, seems wrong to me," Zelensky said, adding that the policy change primarily benefits Russia.
Trump signed an executive order on Friday suspending key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs scheduled to take effect the following week under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
The legislation, signed into law in September, sought to increase economic pressure on Moscow by imposing tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, potentially affecting countries such as China and India.
However, Trump justified the sanctions waiver on national interest grounds, citing presidential authority under the legislation. The suspension will remain effective until the administration determines further action is necessary.
Zelensky warned that easing US sanctions could encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to escalate attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. He reported that Russian forces recently targeted more than 15 electricity generation and transmission facilities across Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader also expressed concern about potential additional strikes in western Ukraine, arguing that reducing economic pressure would undermine efforts to end the conflict.
Meanwhile, Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed Trump's decision, describing it as a historic development that could preserve economic cooperation between Washington and Moscow.
The waiver also carries significant implications for global energy markets. Analysts previously warned that implementing the proposed tariffs could disrupt Russian oil supplies and push crude prices higher, adding to inflationary pressures amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
China and India, two major importers of Russian energy, had raised objections to the proposed restrictions, citing potential economic and diplomatic consequences.
US Democratic Representative Don Beyer condemned the decision, accusing Trump of weakening congressional efforts to hold Russia accountable.
Zelensky further suggested that Washington could introduce additional sanctions relief following the recent diesel export agreement, raising concerns about the future direction of US policy toward Russia and Ukraine.
