Trump Defends Russia Sanctions Waivers as Zelenskyy Warns Ukraine's Fate

President Donald Trump defended his decision to waive sweeping sanctions against Russia as a way to keep Moscow at the negotiating table, drawing criticism from Kyiv and US lawmakers who say it sends the wrong message to the Kremlin. Trump signed an executive order on October 16 waiving new sanctions mandated by legislation named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, days after granting temporary relief on Russian diesel sanctions. He argued on Truth Social that he doesn't want to drive Russia away from peace negotiations, though talks have stalled with Moscow offering no concessions. Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine will not prevail if the US takes Russia's side, while noting intelligence-sharing has resumed. Russian strikes on Kyiv continued, including a fatal attack on a medical center, as Trump blamed Zelenskyy for not wanting to end the war.