Zelensky: Trump's Sanctions Suspension 'Helps Only the Russians'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized President Donald Trump's decision to suspend sanctions and tariffs against Russia, stating the move "helps only the Russians" and encourages further attacks. His comments were posted on X on Saturday. Zelensky argued the suspension emboldens Russian President Vladimir Putin and stimulates new assaults, saying it "certainly does not stop the war." He noted Russia attacked over 15 Ukrainian energy facilities on Friday and accused Moscow of preparing intensified attacks in western Ukraine. Trump's executive order suspended sanctions from the Graham Law, which would have imposed tariffs on Russian products and penalties on buyers of Russian oil and gas. Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev called the suspension historic, while Democratic Congressman Don Beyer said Trump yielded to Putin.