Trump pauses Russia sanctions to study global economic impact

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says President Donald Trump's sanctions pause against Russia is intended to analyze the impact on the global economy. The 60-day period will examine how sanctions and tariffs affect both world and American economic conditions. Rubio noted that various conflicts, including the US war with Iran and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, are affecting global energy prices and crashing into each other. Trump's Friday executive order exempted certain sanctions under the Graham law, signed in September, which was set to take effect Sunday. Russia called the decision "historic," while Ukraine's President Zelenskyy said it rewards Putin and encourages continued attacks. Republican senators Thom Tillis and Ted Cruz criticized the move, with midterm elections approaching next month amid concerns over high living costs and diesel prices.