Trump delays Russia sanctions, declines to blame Putin for Ukraine war

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday placing a hold on a sweeping Russia sanctions package he had approved last month, citing the "national interest" just two days before the law's implementation deadline. The bipartisan bill, named after late Senator Lindsey Graham, targeted Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers to cut financial resources fueling the war in Ukraine. Trump also refused to blame Vladimir Putin for starting the conflict, saying he wants the war ended. The decision follows Trump's recent agreement to purchase Russian diesel, drawing criticism from European leaders including Emmanuel Macron. Democratic Representative Don Beyer called on Congress to fix the law, while Moldova reported five Russian drones crashing in its territory.