Trump Exempts Russia from Major Sanctions, Drawing Ukraine's Ire
President Donald Trump has exempted Russia from major new US sanctions, citing "national interest," a decision Moscow hailed as historic and Ukraine condemned as rewarding aggression. The exemption suspends the Graham Act, a September law targeting Russia's energy sector, including its shadow fleet and President Vladimir Putin. Trump's decree allows him to impose up to 100% tariffs on major Russian oil importers like China and India. Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev called the move a "truly historic moment," while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it encourages further attacks and accused Russia of planning blackouts. Zelensky, feeling "betrayed," has requested $70 billion more from European allies.