Trump accuses Zelenskyy of prolonging war as US eases Russia sanctions

President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war, defending his decision to waive some sanctions on Russia as part of peace negotiations. Trump stated on Truth Social that he avoids actions that would drive Russia from the bargaining table, adding that Zelenskyy "doesn't want to end this war." He signed an executive order waiving sanctions mandated by legislation named for Senator Lindsey Graham and temporarily waived sanctions on Russian diesel to lower fuel prices ahead of US midterm elections. Zelenskyy warned Ukraine would lose if the US backs Russia, calling withdrawal of support "a historic mistake." The Wall Street Journal reported Putin proposed a meeting with Trump and Xi Jinping, excluding Zelenskyy, while Russian strikes damaged Kyiv's subway and Ukraine targeted Saint Petersburg's oil refinery.