Trump waives Russia fuel sanctions, drawing bipartisan backlash and Ukraine criticism

President Donald Trump waived sanctions targeting Russian fossil fuel sales days before they were set to take effect, drawing bipartisan backlash from US lawmakers and condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The waiver, issued Friday, postpones measures from the Graham Act, which would have imposed tariffs up to 100% on goods from major importers of Russian crude oil or gas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the move as a 60-day period to analyze economic impacts, while critics, including Republican senators and Democrats, accused Trump of capitulating to Russia. The decision follows a turbulent week in US-Ukraine relations, marked by Trump's deal allowing Russian diesel exports, reported restrictions on intelligence sharing and Starlink services, and ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. European allies are preparing a new sanctions package against Russia, contrasting with Washington's easing of pressure.