Trump's Russia Sanctions Delay Sparks GOP Backlash

President Trump has postponed additional sanctions on Russia, sparking controversy just two weeks before the U.S. midterm elections. He justified the decision on social media early Monday, citing ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. The postponed sanctions would have imposed 100% tariffs on five countries buying Russian oil and gas. Trump's move appears driven by rising U.S. diesel prices, which have increased 1.7-fold year-over-year, and he announced plans to import diesel from Russia. Criticism has come from within Trump's own Republican Party, with senators warning the decision damages alliances and emboldens adversaries. Trump has also blamed Ukrainian President Zelensky for targeting Russian refineries, while avoiding acknowledging Russia's role in starting the war.