President Trump on Sunday defended his decision to waive sanctions on Russia, arguing that the move is essential to keep Moscow engaged in peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump framed the waiver as a tactical step to preserve diplomatic channels, even as lawmakers from both parties voiced opposition.
“My decision on Russia is a very simple one,” Trump wrote. “I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table.” He added that “great progress is being made, including in current hostage negotiations.”
The president also warned against actions that could push Russia closer to Iran, noting that Moscow is currently doing little to assist Tehran compared to what it could do. “I want to keep it that way,” he said, “unless stupid people get in the way.”
Trump’s remarks come amid growing bipartisan backlash. Several Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham, have signaled opposition to the waiver, and House GOP rebels have threatened to block Pentagon funding over the issue. Meanwhile, former Vice President Mike Pence has urged Trump to reverse the decision and scrap the related diesel deal. The waiver also drew criticism from House Democrats, who are planning an appropriations push to curb executive power.
The president also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of resuming strikes on Russian oil refineries, which Trump claimed is “seriously hurting the world diesel markets, including those in the United States.” He alleged that Zelensky “doesn’t care” about ending the conflict, which has now entered its fourth year.
“He could have made a better deal two years ago than he can now,” Trump wrote. “His country is in shambles, a large portion of his land is lost, his oceans and seas are gone, and his male population is low, wounded, and/or dead. I WANT THIS WAR END.”
Zelensky responded sharply, telling NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Ukraine trusted Trump and that it would be “unbelievable” for the U.S. to support Russian President Vladimir Putin over him. In a separate interview with Newsmax, Trump reiterated his disdain for Zelensky, calling him “not a good guy for us to deal with” and saying he is “not a big fan” of the Ukrainian leader.
The sanctions waiver, which was part of a broader legislative package, would have imposed tariffs on major purchasers of Russian energy and on entities helping Moscow evade sanctions. The move has also raised concerns about its impact on global energy markets, with some lawmakers like Rep. Rogers flagging risks as diesel prices rise in Michigan.
Trump’s decision has further strained relations between Washington and Kyiv, with Zelensky urging Trump to reverse the waiver and scrap the diesel deal. The president, however, remains adamant that the waiver is a necessary tool to keep Moscow at the table, even as critics question its effectiveness and long-term consequences.
