The key facts

  • Trump is not signing the Congress-approved sanctions and tariffs against Russia so as not to 'push Moscow away from the negotiating table'
  • Trump accused Zelensky of strikes on diesel plants 'harming global markets' and said he is not interested in ending the war
  • Zelensky and lawmakers from both parties criticize the administration's approach; Ukraine calls strikes on energy facilities a response to Russian attacks and a way to cut revenue for the military campaign

Trump postponed signing the document on measures against Russia

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday on Truth Social that he will not yet sign a document on additional measures against Russia, because, in his words, it could 'foolishly push Russia away from the negotiating table.' He said he is negotiating peace between Russia and Ukraine, noted 'great progress,' including ongoing 'hostage talks,' and added that he could sign the document later or 'at any moment.' He did not disclose details of the talks or which hostages are being discussed.

The essence of the delayed measures

Trump's statement came amid disputes over his administration's decision to delay the imposition of new sanctions and tariffs against Russia and countries buying Russian energy. The measures approved by Congress include sanctions against Russian officials, banks and energy traders, as well as the possibility of high tariffs for countries that continue importing Russian oil and gas.

Trump's arguments

Trump also cited Russia's limited support for Iran: 'Russia is doing very little, if anything, to help the Islamic Republic of Iran compared to what it could be doing, and I want to keep it that way.' He sharply criticized Volodymyr Zelensky for Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil and diesel plants, saying that Zelensky knows the attacks 'seriously harm global diesel markets,' including the United States. According to Trump, farmers, ranchers and businesses are suffering from rising fuel prices, while Russia continues to supply 'millions of barrels' of diesel to international markets at low prices.

Criticism of Zelensky and Kyiv's reaction

'Zelensky doesn't care,' Trump said, accusing the Ukrainian leader of having no interest in ending the war. He also said Zelensky could have secured a better deal two years earlier, and that Ukraine is now 'in ruins,' has lost significant territory and suffered heavy losses. 'I WANT THIS WAR OVER!' he added. Trump has previously faced criticism from Kyiv and lawmakers from both major US parties over his approach to Russia, including delaying sanctions and allowing imports of Russian diesel. Zelensky argues that easing pressure on Moscow will push Russia to continue the war rather than end it. Ukraine defends strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as a response to Moscow's ongoing attacks on Ukraine's power grid and as an attempt to cut the revenue available for Russia's military campaign. Trump, however, has repeatedly urged Kyiv to stop attacks on Russian refineries, arguing that they contribute to rising global energy prices.