Trump Exempts Russia From New Sanctions and Tariffs; Zelensky Expresses Regret

President Donald Trump signed an executive order exempting key sanctions and tariffs on Russia two days before a new law took effect, citing U.S. national interests. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed regret, saying the move would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. The law, named after late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, would impose tariffs on Russian goods and penalize countries purchasing Russian oil and gas. Zelensky warned that easing pressure encourages further attacks, noting Russia struck over 15 Ukrainian power facilities on Friday. He urged continued efforts to end the war, not prolong it. Trump has pushed for an energy ceasefire and trilateral talks with Putin and Zelensky, but tensions with Kyiv have grown. The exemption drew criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, while Russia's investment envoy praised it as historic. China and India, major Russian oil buyers, had expressed concerns over the law's potential impact.