Trump Signs Order Waiving New Russia Sanctions; Zelenskyy Warns It 'Rewards Putin' and Intensifies War
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on October 17 bypassing a Congress-passed Russia sanctions bill named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, citing ’national interests.’ Ukrainian President Zelenskyy immediately warned the move amounted to ‘rewarding Putin’ and would extend the war. The bill was set to take effect in 11 days, and Trump simultaneously waived tariffs on the largest buyers of Russian oil, prompting bipartisan criticism and concern from European allies.