Trump pauses Russia sanctions for 60 days to assess global impact

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saturday that President Donald Trump's waiver of sanctions and tariffs on Russia will last 60 days, allowing the administration to analyze their global economic impact, a move drawing bipartisan criticism and raising concerns in Ukraine. Rubio stated the pause aims to assess effects on the global and US economies, noting the restrictions involve multiple countries and that conflicts like the US war on Iran and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are affecting energy prices. Trump defended the decision as beneficial for the US and world. The executive order, signed Friday, exempts Russia from measures Congress passed in September targeting officials, oligarchs, and oil buyers, just before they took effect. Critics, including Republican senators Thom Tillis and Ted Cruz, called it irresponsible, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it "rewards" Putin amid diesel price concerns ahead of midterm elections.