Trump waives Russia oil sanctions as Ukraine tensions rise

President Donald Trump has waived new Russia-related sanctions on fossil fuel sales days before they were set to take effect, as tensions with Ukraine escalate and support for Kyiv weakens. The waiver, announced Friday, targets a bill signed last month that would have imposed tariffs up to 100% on goods from major importers of Russian crude oil or gas. Trump cited US national interests, while pressuring Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian oil facilities to ease prices ahead of midterm elections. The move follows a deal allowing Russian diesel exports, which drew bipartisan criticism and alarmed European allies. Ukraine has resumed attacks on Russian infrastructure, and ties have further strained over reduced US intelligence sharing and Starlink restrictions.