Trump could lift more Russia sanctions, Zelenskyy says, as outrage over waiver grows

Trump’s executive-order waiver removed Russia from sweeping economic restrictions that were scheduled to take effect. The measures were designed to pressure Moscow by targeting money linked to its energy sales, defense sector, officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and major oil and gas buyers. The waiver therefore reduced the pressure the law was meant to create.

The timing was significant. Trump signed the order late Friday, two days before the law was due to take effect. The article also links the decision to an agreement allowing the United States to import Russian diesel. Trump said he was trying to respond to public anger over high prices at the pump before the 3 November midterms.

Zelenskyy called the decision wrong and said it rewarded Putin financially. He feared the diesel arrangement was only the first step toward further sanctions relief. US senators from both parties also criticized the waiver, calling it irresponsible or a mistake.

The Lindsey Graham Act was a US law named after the late senator who sponsored it. It passed in September and was signed by Trump. Its central purpose was to impose effective pressure on Russia and reduce the money available for its war against Ukraine.

The act targeted Russia’s energy and defense sectors, along with Putin, Russian officials, oligarchs, and financial institutions. It also gave Trump authority to sanction major buyers of Russian oil and gas. The law specifically included the so-called shadow fleet, tankers used by Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions.

The restrictions were due to begin shortly after Trump signed the waiver. Instead, he exempted Russia from the economic measures. Zelenskyy said the act could still help end the war, but warned that easing pressure would encourage Putin to continue attacking Ukraine.

The sanctions being waived were broad economic restrictions, not a narrow measure aimed only at energy. The law focused on Russia’s energy and defense sectors and sought to reduce the funds supporting Moscow’s war against Ukraine. It also targeted people, companies, and networks connected to Russia’s government and economy.

The listed targets included Putin, Russian officials, oligarchs, and financial institutions. The law also covered the shadow fleet of tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions. In addition, it gave Trump authority to impose sanctions on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, extending pressure beyond Russia itself.

Trump’s waiver exempted Russia from these restrictions before they took effect. The article describes the move as a sanctions blackout and says it eased pressure on the aggressor. Zelenskyy warned that this could give Putin financial rewards while reducing Ukraine’s leverage.

If energy sanctions are relaxed, Russia could retain more revenue from selling oil and gas. That money can support government spending, including military operations. The article’s central warning is that easing pressure may give Putin financial rewards while Russia continues striking Ukraine.

The mechanism is straightforward: sanctions are intended to limit Russia’s access to energy income and make war financing harder. If those restrictions are waived, Russian exports and buyers may face fewer obstacles. Trump’s separate agreement allowing US imports of Russian diesel illustrates how easing one energy restriction could restore part of that revenue flow.

The likely political effect is also important. Zelenskyy said lifting sanctions encourages Putin to keep attacking and limits Ukraine’s responses. Russia has increased strikes, while Ukraine struggles to intercept missiles and strengthen defenses before winter. Further relief could therefore weaken Ukraine’s bargaining position in failed peace talks.

Russian energy sales are important because they provide income to the Russian government. That revenue can help fund public spending and military operations. The article identifies Russia’s energy revenues as a central target because reducing them was intended to weaken Moscow’s ability to continue the war.

The proposed law used several pressure points. It targeted Russia’s energy sector, empowered sanctions against major oil and gas buyers, and included the shadow fleet of tankers used to bypass Western restrictions. Together, these measures were designed to make energy exports harder to sell and less profitable.

The article does not provide a specific revenue figure or explain Russia’s budget in detail. It does show the consequence Zelenskyy fears: lifting restrictions would give Putin financial rewards while attacks continue. He called the waiver an encouragement to keep fighting, rather than a path to ending the war.

The article defines Russia’s “shadow fleet” as tankers used by Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions. These vessels help Russia continue moving energy products despite restrictions aimed at limiting its exports and revenues.

The key mechanism is evasion. When tankers are used to move Russian oil around sanctions, buyers and sellers may continue transactions that would otherwise be blocked or penalized. That can preserve money flowing into Russia’s energy sector. The Lindsey Graham Act therefore specifically included the shadow fleet among its targets.

The article does not give details about the fleet’s ownership, routes, or methods. It does show why the issue matters now. Trump waived sweeping restrictions before they took effect, while Zelenskyy warned that sanctions relief would reward Putin and encourage further attacks. Targeting the fleet remains one tool for tightening pressure on Russia’s war financing.

If the United States eases sanctions, its allies can still pressure Russia through financial, military, and diplomatic support for Ukraine. The article specifically describes allies financing Ukraine’s fight and urging Moscow to stop attacks. It also shows European governments discussing continued support at an EU summit.

Practical tools include maintaining other sanctions, supporting Ukraine’s defenses, and restricting networks such as Russia’s shadow fleet. The United States and its allies can also continue negotiations while making clear that ending attacks is necessary for relief. The article says US-led talks have so far failed to produce a breakthrough.

The immediate challenge is Ukraine’s vulnerability before winter. Russia is striking infrastructure, and Ukraine is struggling to intercept missiles. Zelenskyy urged allies to keep pressure on Moscow as Russia threatens electricity and heating. Continued financing, defensive assistance, and coordinated economic pressure could preserve Ukraine’s leverage even after the waiver.