Trump exempts Russia from new US congressional sanctions

US President Donald Trump has exempted Russia from new sanctions in a law recently passed by Congress, according to a White House decree issued Friday evening, as Ukraine fears being abandoned by Washington. The executive order waives penalties that lawmakers had approved, marking a significant shift in US policy toward Moscow. The move comes amid growing Ukrainian concerns over the strength of American support in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The exemption follows Trump's repeated criticism of US aid to Ukraine and his stated desire to improve relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Congress had passed the sanctions legislation with bipartisan support, reflecting deep divisions between the executive and legislative branches.