Zelensky Accuses Trump of Rewarding Putin by Exempting Russia from Sanctions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Donald Trump of "rewarding" and "encouraging" Russian President Vladimir Putin after the U.S. exempted Russia from major sanctions amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelensky stated on Saturday that pausing U.S. sanctions eases pressure on the aggressor and provides financial rewards to Putin, urging allies to maintain pressure. The White House issued a decree citing "national interest" to exempt the Graham Act, a law targeting Russia's energy sector and officials. Moscow hailed the move as a "historic moment," while Zelensky, feeling "betrayed," has requested an additional $70 billion from European allies. The exemption follows a recent Trump-Putin deal to lift sanctions in exchange for Russian diesel imports.