Trump suspends Russia sanctions after Zelensky clash
President Donald Trump has suspended most US sanctions against Russia two days before they were set to take effect, citing national interest. The move follows escalating tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The sanctions, passed by Congress and signed by Trump in September, targeted Russian banks, officials including Vladimir Putin, and allowed tariffs up to 100% on major oil and gas buyers like China and India. Democrats condemned the decision as capitulation to Moscow. The suspension comes amid disputes over a US-Russia diesel import deal and a failed "energy ceasefire." Trump called Zelensky "more difficult to manage" than Putin, while Ukraine accused Washington of withholding military support and slowing Starlink access.