White House links pause on Russia sanctions to peace deal push

The White House has explained its pause on new sanctions against Russia as a pursuit of a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv, stating that further restrictions would hinder Washington's diplomatic efforts. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said President Donald Trump aims to end the conflict, and that the law passed by Congress gives him additional leverage for diplomatic resolution. Rogers stressed Trump could reimpose the measures at any time if they align with US national interests. Trump previously suspended sanctions on buyers of Russian oil and gas, drawing criticism from Ukraine, whose President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a "sanctions blackout." Russia praised the move, while Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian refineries on October 15.