KYIV, Ukraine | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged continued support for tougher sanctions against Russia after US President Donald Trump suspended key provisions of a new sanctions law, raising concerns over Washington’s strategy for pressuring Moscow to end its war against Ukraine.
In a statement posted on social media on October 17, Zelenskyy described the move as a setback, warning that easing pressure on Russia could encourage further attacks. He said Ukraine’s partners must not give ground in efforts to end the war.
Trump signed an executive order on October 16 waiving major sanctions, restrictions and tariffs under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The law, signed on September 18, was designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow, including through penalties targeting Russian energy exports and countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.
According to the White House, Trump justified the waivers on national interest grounds. The order suspends key provisions of the new law but does not remove sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders against Russia. The waivers will remain in effect until the president or designated officials determine that further action is warranted.
The decision drew renewed attention to divisions over how Washington should respond to Russia’s invasion. The legislation had been intended to restrict Moscow’s ability to finance its military campaign, including through measures affecting Russian officials, financial interests and energy trade.
European Council President António Costa reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Ukraine during a meeting with Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on October 16. Costa said the EU would maintain its support for Kyiv and called for increased pressure on Russia to secure a genuine ceasefire and negotiations.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, escalating a conflict that began in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and fighting in eastern Ukraine. Since then, the United States and its allies have imposed successive rounds of sanctions targeting Russian banks, businesses, individuals and energy-related activities.
With the war continuing and winter approaching, Kyiv remains dependent on international military, financial and diplomatic support. Trump’s decision to suspend key provisions of the new sanctions law has added uncertainty to efforts to coordinate pressure on Moscow.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
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