Trump pauses Russia sanctions to assess economic impact, Rubio says

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump's 60-day waiver of sweeping sanctions and tariffs on Russia is intended to "analyse" their impact on the global and US economies, a move drawing sharp bipartisan criticism. Rubio explained the pause allows assessment of economic effects amid multiple conflicts, including the US war on Iran and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, which are impacting global energy prices. Trump defended the decision as beneficial, while lawmakers like Republican Thom Tillis called it "beyond irresponsible" and Ted Cruz termed it "a mistake." The executive order, signed Friday, exempts Russia from measures Congress passed last month targeting Putin's supporters and the Ukraine war. It follows a Trump-Putin deal allowing Russian diesel exports, addressing US fuel price hikes ahead of midterm elections. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the action "rewards" Putin.