Zelenskyy accuses Trump of ‘rewarding’ Putin as US halts Russia sanctions amid Ukraine strikes
WASHINGTON, DC: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Donald Trump of rewarding Vladimir Putin after the US halted planned sanctions targeting Russian goods and energy.
His criticism came as Russian strikes reportedly killed seven people in Ukraine, raising fresh questions over Washington's approach to Moscow.
The restrictions were paused just 48 hours before they were due to take effect. French President Emmanuel Macron also criticized a US-Russia diesel deal, warning that the move sent a negative signal.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy accuses Donald Trump of rewarding Vladimir Putin
Zelenskyy criticized the US decision to halt the planned sanctions, arguing that easing pressure on Russia could encourage Putin to continue the war.
The Ukrainian president said the move could leave the Russian leader feeling “joy that there is such support”.
He also warned that lifting restrictions while Ukraine continued to face attacks sent the wrong message to Moscow.
“A US sanctions blackout, easing pressure on the aggressor, financial rewards for Putin — all of this only encourages him to keep attacking,” Zelenskyy said.
His remarks came after Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and homes reportedly killed seven people in cities including Zaporizhzhia.
Donald Trump defends decision to halt Russia sanctions
Trump said halting the sanctions was in the US national interest.
The restrictions targeting Russian goods and energy had been due to take effect within the following 48 hours before the decision to pause them.
The move drew a positive response from Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who called it a “truly historic moment”.
The contrasting reactions highlighted the disagreement over Washington's decision.
While Trump defended the move on national interest grounds, Zelenskyy argued that easing restrictions could encourage further Russian attacks.
As per Ukraine, sanctions remain part of the wider effort to put pressure on Moscow during the ongoing conflict.
Zelenskyy's comments reflected concern that reducing that pressure could benefit Russia at a time when Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure were still being targeted.
Emmanuel Macron criticizes US-Russia diesel deal
The sanctions dispute also came amid a US agreement to buy diesel from Russia, a deal that French President Emmanuel Macron criticized.
Macron said the decision risked sending the wrong message and adding to divisions among countries responding to the war.
“This decision is not good for anyone. It sends a negative signal,” Macron said.
He added, “It adds an element of division and doubt.”
