Zelensky Warns Trump's Sanctions Pause Could Encourage Putin

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern over the United States’ decision to pause sweeping sanctions on Russia, warning that the move could embolden President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky criticized the decision, calling it a reward for the Kremlin leader and a potential catalyst for further aggression.

Sanctions Pause Amid Escalating Conflict

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that waived the Lindsey Graham Act, a measure aimed at targeting Russia’s energy and defense sectors. The decision came despite a sharp escalation in Russian attacks on Ukraine, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Zelensky stated that the lifting of sanctions would continue, with the ‘diesel deal’ being just the first step in a broader pattern of concessions.

“You cannot achieve this by limiting Ukraine’s responses to Russia for killing our people. And certainly not by lifting sanctions,” Zelensky said, adding that he still hopes Trump will do everything in his power to end the war. He emphasized that the United States must maintain pressure on Moscow to bring the conflict to a close.

Escalating Attacks on Ukraine’s Energy Grid

Zelensky highlighted that the U.S. decision came on the same day as Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, targeting 15 critical power generation facilities. The strikes resulted in casualties, including at least two deaths in separate attacks in Kherson and Sumy. Zelensky warned that Russia aims to cause a ‘blackout’ in Ukraine ahead of winter, leaving millions without electricity and heating.

He called on allies to pressure Moscow to stop the attacks, noting that last winter saw hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without heat and electricity in freezing temperatures. Zelensky reiterated that the Lindsey Graham Act was intended to impose effective pressure on Russia to end the war, and he remains hopeful it could still play a crucial role.

Russian Officials Celebrate Trump’s Move

Russian officials have not yet commented on Trump’s decision, but several have praised it as a ‘historic’ moment. Kirill Dmitriev, a Putin envoy, called the suspension of the Graham Act an important and truly historic moment, signaling a shift in U.S.-Russia relations.

Source: Breitbart