US suspends Russia sanctions for 60 days, Zelensky calls it a gift to Putin

The United States has suspended sanctions and tariffs against Russia for 60 days, a decision Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned as a gift to Vladimir Putin. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the pause is intended to analyze the measures' impact on the global and US economies. The suspension applies to sanctions approved by Congress in September, which targeted Russia's energy sector. The decision has drawn criticism from both Democratic leaders and some Republican senators, including Thom Tillis and Ted Cruz, who called it irresponsible and an error. The EU reaffirmed its support for Kyiv, working on a 22nd sanctions package. Separately, Romanian F-16s shot down two Russian Geran attack drones over territorial waters, while Russian drone and missile attacks on Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson killed at least three civilians. Zelensky noted ongoing negotiations with the US, including a possible trilateral meeting with Putin in the Middle East, the US, or Europe.