Trump Waives Russia Sanctions; Zelenskyy Says Move Rewards Putin

President Donald Trump waived sweeping new sanctions against Russia passed by Congress, citing U.S. national interests in an executive order Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the move as rewarding Russian aggression. The sanctions, signed into law last month and named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, targeted Russia's largest oil and gas buyers, including China and India, to cut revenue amid the Ukraine war. Trump's waiver follows his deal with Vladimir Putin to release Russian diesel fuel as prices soar. Zelenskyy called the decision "wrong" and an "American sanctions blackout," saying it encourages Putin's attacks. Critics in Congress, including Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Thom Tillis, denounced the waiver, while Rep. Don Bacon said it prolongs the war.