Trump Delays New Russia Measures, Citing Ukraine Peace Talks
Russia Sanctions: Donald Trump says he will delay additional measures while negotiations over Ukraine continue.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he would not sign a document imposing additional measures on Russia for now. He argued that the move could undermine negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
“My decision on Russia is a very simple one,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He said he was working to secure peace between Russia and Ukraine and did not want to push Moscow away from the negotiating table.
Trump claimed that the talks were making “great progress,” including on what he described as ongoing hostage negotiations. However, he did not identify the people involved or provide details about the discussions.
The president added that he could sign the document later or at any time he chose.
Trump Faces Questions Over Russia Sanctions
Trump’s remarks come amid controversy over his administration’s decision to delay new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia and countries that purchase Russian energy.
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The measures, approved by Congress, include sanctions against Russian officials, banks and energy traders. They also provide for the possible imposition of steep tariffs on countries that continue importing Russian oil and gas.
Meanwhile, Trump cited Russia’s limited assistance to Iran as another reason to avoid increasing pressure on Moscow.
“Russia is doing very little, if anything, to help the Islamic Republic of Iran, compared to what they could be doing, and I want to keep it that way,” he said.
His comments signal that the administration is weighing its approach to Russia alongside wider geopolitical considerations and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Trump Criticises Ukraine’s Attacks on Russian Refineries
Trump also criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over attacks on Russian oil and diesel refineries. He argued that the strikes were putting pressure on global diesel markets, including in the United States.
According to Trump, higher fuel costs are affecting farmers, ranchers and businesses. He also said Russia continued supplying millions of barrels of diesel to international markets at relatively low prices.
“Zelenskyy doesn’t care,” Trump said, accusing the Ukrainian leader of showing insufficient interest in ending the war.
Trump further claimed that Ukraine could have secured a better agreement two years earlier. He described the country as devastated, citing territorial losses and heavy casualties.
“I want this war to end!” he added.
Kyiv Opposes Easing Pressure on Moscow
Trump’s position has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials and lawmakers from both major US political parties. Critics have questioned the delay in additional sanctions and Washington’s decision to authorise imports of Russian diesel.
Zelenskyy has argued that easing pressure on Moscow could encourage Russia to continue its military campaign rather than pursue peace.
In contrast, Ukraine has defended its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure as a response to continuing Russian strikes against Ukrainian power facilities. Kyiv has also argued that targeting Russian energy assets can reduce the revenue available to fund Moscow’s military operations.
Trump has repeatedly urged Ukraine to stop attacking Russian refineries. He maintains that such strikes contribute to higher global energy prices.
The competing positions underscore the challenges facing efforts to end the war. While Washington continues to discuss negotiations, disagreements remain over sanctions, energy supplies and the military actions each side considers necessary.
