Trump suspends Russia sanctions, escalating clash with Zelensky

President Trump suspended numerous sanctions against Russia just before they were set to take effect, citing US national security interests, and escalating a dispute with Ukrainian President Zelensky. The move drew sharp criticism from US lawmakers. The sanctions, passed by Congress and signed in September, targeted Russia's economy, including tariffs on buyers of Russian oil and gas, and measures against officials and financial institutions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the suspension is a 60-day pause to analyze the global economic impact. Zelensky called the decision regrettable, noting Russia's attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The suspension follows a controversial US deal to import Russian diesel, and comes amid Ukrainian concerns over reduced US military support and restricted Starlink access.