Trump Suspends Sanctions on Russia as Ukraine Tensions Rise
US President Donald Trump suspended several sanctions against Russia two days before they were set to take effect, citing "national security" concerns. The move came amid escalating tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The sanctions, approved by Congress and signed into law by Trump in September, targeted Russia's economy, including tariffs on oil and gas buyers and measures against officials and financial institutions. Trump's executive order on Friday halted many provisions, drawing criticism from Democratic lawmakers who accused him of capitulating to Moscow. Zelensky lamented the decision, noting Russia attacked 15 Ukrainian energy facilities overnight. He suggested the US was "ignoring completely" the sanctions and warned of potential blackouts before winter. Trump had previously suspended some sanctions to allow Russian diesel imports, aiming to lower US fuel prices amid the Iran conflict.