Zelenskyy reacts to Trump's decision to suspend sanctions on Russia
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described US President Donald Trump's decision to suspend sanctions against Russia under the signed so-called Graham Act as a "sanctions blackout" in his post on X.
According to Zelenskyy, at a time when Russia had launched such a massive attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the US decided to completely ignore the Graham Act, which was supposed to put effective pressure on Russia to end the war.
"This Act could have helped enormously – and still can! But it needs to actually work, and every voice in support of it matters," the president stressed.
He noted that Russia is trying to cause a blackout in Ukraine just before winter. Russian forces want to leave millions of Ukrainians without electricity and heating.
"Pressure is needed to stop this. A U.S. sanctions blackout, easing pressure on the aggressor, financial rewards for Putin – all of this only encourages him to keep attacking. We must not give up ground. We must keep trying to end the war. To end it, not give Putin every reason to continue it indefinitely," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Trump suspends sanctions against Russia
US President Donald Trump signed an order suspending the so-called "bone-crushing sanctions" against Russia — sweeping tariffs, restrictions, and sanctions promoted by the late Senator Lindsey Graham over purchases of Russian energy.
Trump used a sanctions waiver under the legislation championed by Lindsey Graham to punish Russia for its war against Ukraine.
The directive formally imposes tariffs but suspends their implementation. This means Trump can enforce them at another time if he chooses.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, who worked with Lindsey Graham to draft the bill on sanctions against Russia, sharply criticized Trump for refusing to impose the restrictions.
