Trump waives Russia sanctions as Ukraine faces deepening crisis

US President Donald Trump has waived sweeping sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia’s energy revenues, deepening concerns over Washington’s weakening support for Ukraine as Kyiv seeks nearly $80 billion in additional European funding to continue its war effort.

Trump signed an executive order on Friday suspending measures that would have allowed the United States to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas. The move marks a significant reversal after Washington approved the sanctions legislation last month.

The legislation, known as the Lindsey Graham Act, targeted Russia’s energy and defence sectors, President Vladimir Putin and Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers used to evade Western restrictions.

According to the report, Trump’s decision followed an agreement with Putin under which Moscow would release substantial supplies of diesel into global markets. The move comes as the US war with Iran has contributed to severe oil shortages and rising fuel prices, creating political pressure on Trump’s Republican Party ahead of next month’s midterm elections.

Relations between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have deteriorated further over Ukraine’s renewed attacks on Russian oil refineries. Trump described Kyiv’s actions as a “disgrace”, while Zelensky defended his position, saying he was acting exclusively in the interests of Ukraine and its people.

Speaking in Brussels, Zelensky urged European leaders not to reduce their support as Russian attacks continue to threaten Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.

He requested an additional €70 billion, equivalent to approximately $79 billion, for next year, alongside more Patriot air defence missiles to protect Ukraine from Russian bombardment.

European Council President Antonio Costa called for increased assistance and continued pressure on Moscow, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Zelensky’s funding request needed to be covered.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said European governments would examine the proposal.

The urgency has increased as Ukraine struggles to strengthen its defences before winter, when temperatures can fall to minus 20 degrees Celsius. Russian attacks have threatened electricity, heating and water supplies, raising fears of further hardship for civilians.

Meanwhile, calls are growing within Europe to use approximately €200 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets to finance Ukraine. However, Belgium, where most of the funds are held, remains opposed to the proposal.

With US support increasingly uncertain and Russia continuing its military campaign, Ukraine faces mounting financial and military challenges as it prepares for another difficult winter.