Zelensky criticizes Trump for suspending sanctions on Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday criticized the decision of Estados Unidos President Donald Trump to lift sanctions and tariffs against Russia a few days before they come into force. The statements were published in X.

For the Ukrainian president, the measure encourages the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and stimulates further attacks. “It only fuels their satisfaction and desire to continue killing people,” he wrote. “This certainly does not interrupt the war.”

Zelensky said Russia attacked more than 15 Ukrainian power generation and transmission facilities on Friday. He also accused Moscow of preparing to intensify attacks in the west of the country.

Executive Order Suspends Sanctions Under Graham Act

The executive order signed by Trump on Friday night lifted sanctions and tariffs related to Russia that would begin in force next week, according to Reuters. Among the measures brought down are tariffs on Russian products and punishments on those who buy oil and gas from the country.

The sanctions were laid down in the so-called Graham Act, which Trump sanctioned in mid-September. According to the text of the executive order, the suspension is valid until Trump or his main aides determine that “new measures are appropriate.”

Trump said the suspension serves the national interests of the Estados Unidos. The legislation was created to increase pressure on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022.

Law provides for tariffs of up to 100% on Russian oil buyers

The country would impose tariffs of up to 100% in 30 days on all imported products of the five largest buyers of Russian oil or gas. The rule would also apply to any country that deliberately bought oil or gas 30 days after the law was passed, or that was among the top five that helped Russia bypass sanctions.

The law itself provides for the possibility for the president to suspend the sanctions, provided that he informs Congress that he considers the application contrary to the national interest.

China and India, which are among the biggest buyers of Russian oil, had expressed concern over the move. Beijing said it consistently opposes what it classifies as a long-range jurisdiction without a basis in international law. India has warned Washington that new tariffs could affect the bilateral relationship.

Reactions to suspension

Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev called the suspension a historic moment, according to Reuters. In a publication in X on Friday, he stated that if they had come into force, the sanctions could have interrupted all economic cooperation between Russia and Estados Unidos.

In the Estados Unidos, the Democratic deputy Don Beyer of Virginia claimed that Trump gave in to Putin. According to him, the decision betrays Ukrainian partners and runs counter to Congress’ intention to pass a law designed to punish Russia for war.

The main proponent of the law in Congress was Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who gives the text its name. He died in July and supported American assistance to Ukraine.

Zelensky regrets Graham's absence

Zelensky wrote that the passage of the law bearing the senator's name had fueled expectations of continued bipartisan support for Kiev, and lamented his absence. “It’s hard without him, I’ll be honest,” he said.

Trump has approached Moscow and publicly criticized Zelensky, including the suggestion that Kiev needs a new leader.

The decision comes weeks before midterm elections in the Estados Unidos, in which Republicans try to keep the majority tight in both houses of Congress. Analysts told Reuters that the sanctions could raise oil prices even further as Americans face cost increases largely attributed to the war between Estados Unidos, Israel and Iran.

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