Trump holds off on further Russia sanctions, citing Ukraine peace talks

President Trump has said he will hold off on signing a document imposing additional measures against Russia, arguing that doing so could undermine ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump said he did not want to take any action that could push Moscow away from the negotiating table. 

He claimed that “great progress” was being made in peace negotiations, including hostage talks, but provided no details about the discussions or the individuals involved.

The statement follows Trump’s recent decision to waive key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs shortly before they were due to take effect under legislation passed by Congress. The measures were intended to target Russian officials, banks and energy traders, while allowing steep tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.

Trump also cited Russia’s limited support for Iran as a reason to avoid increasing pressure on Moscow. He criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that they were contributing to higher diesel prices and hurting American businesses, farmers and ranchers.

Trump accused Zelenskyy of lacking the willingness to end the war, while insisting that he wanted the conflict to stop.

The decision to ease sanctions has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials and US lawmakers, who argue that reducing economic pressure could benefit Russia and undermine efforts to end its invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine has defended its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure as a response to Moscow’s strikes on Ukrainian facilities and an effort to limit revenue funding Russia’s military campaign.