Zelensky hopes for revival of Russian sanctions
Ukraine’s president expressed hope that sanctions that were supposed to take effect on Sunday targeting Russia’s economy could be revived, reports BritPanorama.
Volodymyr Zelensky described Donald Trump’s move to put the sanctions on hold as unfortunate, but did not directly criticise the US leader despite deepening tensions between Ukraine and Washington in recent days. “A decision was unfortunately made in America to completely disregard the Lindsey Graham Act, which was supposed to impose truly effective pressure on Russia to bring this war to an end,” Zelensky wrote on social media.
“This Act could have helped enormously – and still can! But it needs to actually work, and every voice in support of it matters,” he insisted, addressing allies. Separately, Zelensky thanked bipartisan members of Congress who had supported the legislation, warning that blocking it would encourage Russia to continue attacks against Ukraine.
His remarks come following President Trump’s executive order that delayed sanctions. Trump justified the pause by citing national security concerns and directed his administration to reassess the economic implications of the proposed measures.
Members of Congress from both parties responded with outrage. Republican senator Thom Tillis labelled the decision “beyond irresponsible,” voicing frustration over the president’s apparent capitulation to what he termed an aggressor. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer noted that the administration’s actions could provide Russia with needed support, undermining efforts to end the conflict.
Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, acknowledged the need for a 60-day review period to understand the sanctions’ economic impact, as the US grapples with rising energy costs amid a complex geopolitical landscape.
As Ukraine confronts a harsh winter amid ongoing assaults on its energy infrastructure, the administration’s next steps remain uncertain, particularly with Congress on recess until after the midterm elections. The delay of sanctions and Trump’s public comments suggest a complicated and potentially contentious path ahead for US-Ukraine relations.
Further developments in congressional responses and international dynamics will be critical in shaping the situation in Ukraine and its support from the West.
