Trump defends suspending Russia sanctions amid Ukraine peace talks

US President Donald Trump has defended his suspension of sanctions against Russia, citing ongoing peace negotiations for the Ukraine war and progress in talks. The move, which halted a congressionally passed package, has drawn criticism from within his own Republican Party. Trump stated on Truth Social that he wants to avoid pushing Russia away from the negotiating table, mentioning discussions over prisoners held by both warring parties without providing details. He also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war, while praising Russian diesel exports amid rising fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict. The sanctions package, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was passed by Congress in mid-September and halted by Trump two days before it was to take effect. Critics have long accused Trump of a pro-Russia stance, while the Kremlin called the suspension a "historic moment."