Trump defends Russia sanctions waiver, says he won’t risk pushing Putin ‘away from bargaining table’
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Sunday, October 18, defended his decision to waive major provisions of a new Russia sanctions package, arguing that imposing the restrictions could jeopardize negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
The move drew bipartisan criticism from members of Congress, including Republicans who supported the legislation, as Russia continued its military campaign against Ukraine. Trump also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of undermining peace efforts and argued that maintaining ties with Moscow served broader US interests.
Trump says Russia sanctions could jeopardize Ukraine peace negotiations
Defending his decision, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social that he did not want sanctions to push Russia away from negotiations.
"My decision on Russia is a very simple one. 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," Trump wrote. He added, "Great progress is being made, and that includes current hostage negotiations!"
Trump: "My decision on Russia is a very simple one. 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. Great progress is being made, and that includes current hostage negotiations! Signing that document at this time will do that, and I can sign it later, or any time that I want! Perhaps more importantly, Russia is doing very little, if anything, to help the Islamic Republic of Iran, compared to what they could be doing, and I want to keep it that way, and will, unless stupid people get in the way. Lastly, Zelenskyy is using Diesel Refineries in Russia as a target, knowing that these attacks are seriously hurting the world diesel markets, including those in the United States. Farmers, ranchers, and businesses of all kinds are suffering greatly from this, but Russia is, nevertheless, sending, at a low price, millions of barrels of diesel to the World. Zelenskyy doesn’t care, and frankly, with all of the money that Europe is famously giving him, and that Crooked Joe Biden gave him in the past, he doesn’t want to end this war, and probably never did. He could have made a better deal two years ago than he can now. 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! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP"
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 18, 2026
Trump's remarks followed an executive order issued on Friday, October 16, waiving major provisions of the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which he signed into law on September 18. The legislation authorized economic penalties targeting Russia and countries purchasing its oil and gas or facilitating sanctions evasion, including tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports and 100% on major purchasers of Russian energy.
Trump invoked the law's national-interest waiver provisions to suspend the penalties while leaving existing sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders in place. The waiver remains in effect until the president or the secretary of state, in consultation with other officials as appropriate, determines that further action is warranted.
The president also defended his approach in the context of the US conflict with Iran, which receives support from Moscow. "Russia is doing very little, if anything, to help the Islamic Republic of Iran, compared to what they could be doing, and I want to keep it that way," Trump wrote, warning against interference with his strategy.
Trump attacks Zelenskyy as Republicans demand Russia sanctions enforcement
Trump also criticised Zelenskyy over Ukrainian attacks on Russian diesel refineries, arguing that the strikes were contributing to pressure on global fuel markets and hurting American businesses.
"Zelenskyy is using Diesel Refineries in Russia as a target, knowing that these attacks are seriously hurting the world diesel markets, including those in the United States," Trump wrote. "He doesn't want to end this war, and probably never did."
Just a day before Trump's remarks, Zelenskyy warned that easing pressure on Moscow would benefit Russia. In an interview with Bloomberg News with Bloomberg News on October 18, the Ukrainian president said, "I believe steps have been taken to convince Ukraine to capitulate. That's how it looks."
Speaking with NBC News' Meet the Press on Sunday, Zelenskyy again said that he wanted to trust Trump. He added, "I hope that he will change his decisions, because I think that it's all mistakes, and it will not help us, and it will not help United States."
Republican lawmakers also challenged Trump's decision to waive the sanctions provisions. Rep. Michael McCaul urged the president to reverse course, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin could respond to concessions with greater aggression. Other critics, including Senator Ted Cruz and Senator Thom Tillis, also condemned the decision.
The administration defended the waiver as a way to assess the economic impact of the proposed penalties and preserve room for negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump would use up to 60 days to evaluate the potential effects on the US and global economies.
