Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised US President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russia, warning that the move could encourage Moscow to intensify its attacks as Ukraine prepares for another winter of war.
Zelensky said lifting pressure on Russia would benefit President Vladimir Putin while millions of Ukrainians risk losing access to electricity and heating as Russian forces continue targeting the country’s energy infrastructure.
Trump signed an executive order waiving sweeping US sanctions targeting Russia’s energy revenues. The decision came as Russian forces intensified attacks on Ukraine, particularly the capital, Kyiv, despite ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict.
The war, now in its fifth year, has killed hundreds of thousands of people and forced millions from their homes.
The sanctions legislation, known as the Lindsey Graham Act after the late US senator who sponsored it, targeted Russia’s energy and defence sectors, Putin and the network of oil tankers Moscow allegedly uses to evade Western restrictions.
Zelensky Says Sanctions Relief Could Encourage More Attacks
Zelensky said Trump’s decision came on the same day Russian forces struck 15 critical power generation facilities across Ukraine in what he described as one of the largest attacks on the country’s energy network.
In a social media statement, the Ukrainian president urged Americans to understand the consequences of easing pressure on Moscow.
He argued that the sanctions legislation could have placed significant pressure on Russia and helped bring the war closer to an end.
“A U.S. sanctions blackout, easing pressure on the aggressor, financial rewards for Putin — all of this only encourages him to keep attacking,” Zelensky warned.
He also accused Russia of attempting to leave millions of Ukrainians without electricity and heating before winter arrives.
The Ukrainian leader called on international allies to maintain pressure on Moscow and prevent further attacks on the country’s critical infrastructure.
During the previous winter, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians were repeatedly left without power and heating amid freezing temperatures.
The consequences of the latest attacks were also reflected in reports of civilian casualties. Ukrainian officials said at least two people were killed in Russian air strikes a day after Trump announced the sanctions waiver.
One person died in the southern city of Kherson, where an attack injured 22 others, including two children. Another person was killed in the northeastern city of Sumy.
Russia Welcomes Trump’s Decision
While the Kremlin and Putin had not publicly responded to Trump’s announcement at the time of the report, several Russian officials welcomed the move.
Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy for Putin, described the Trump administration’s suspension of the Graham Act as an important and historic development.
Dmitriev also argued that implementing the legislation would have caused significant harm to the US economy and global markets.
Trump’s decision followed an agreement with Putin to ease existing sanctions on Russia in exchange for Moscow releasing substantial quantities of diesel onto international markets.
The US president announced the executive order on Friday, shortly after Putin appeared in military uniform and reiterated Moscow’s intention to capture the remaining parts of eastern Ukraine.
Diplomatic efforts led by the United States to end the war have yet to produce a breakthrough, with both Putin and Zelensky having frustrated Trump over the lack of progress towards a ceasefire.
Zelensky had also met European allies in Brussels on Friday, urging them to continue financing Ukraine’s defence and stressing that he was fighting to protect his country’s interests amid tensions with Washington.
Putin Reaffirms Russia’s Military Objectives
Russia continues to control large areas of eastern and southern Ukraine, while Putin has repeatedly declared that Moscow intends to seize the remaining territory it claims in eastern Ukraine by force.
Speaking to military leaders on Friday, Putin expressed confidence in the direction of Russia’s military campaign and identified control of the Donetsk region as a major objective.
European leaders, meanwhile, publicly reaffirmed their support for Zelensky during the Brussels meetings, warning against easing pressure on Russia while the war continues.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the international community should not reduce its backing for Ukraine or relax sanctions against Moscow.
“This is no time to withdraw the support to Ukraine. This is no time to relieve Russia’s sanctions,” Costa said.
He called instead for increased assistance to Kyiv and stronger pressure on Moscow.
The dispute over Trump’s sanctions decision has added to uncertainty over Washington’s approach to the war, as Ukraine faces continued attacks on its energy infrastructure and prepares for the challenges of another winter.
Source: AFP
