Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Zelenskyy urges support for US sanctions paused by Trump
Donald Trump paused a new package of US sanctions against Russia on Saturday, putting the restrictions on hold before they took effect.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged supporters to speak up for the measures, saying they could pressure Moscow to end its war against Ukraine.
He called the pause unfortunate but said the sanctions could still be revived.
Zelenskyy said Russian forces had attacked more than 15 energy sites across Ukraine, as winter approaches.
The strikes have threatened power and heating supplies, and Ukrainian officials said repairs were under way.
Russia has repeatedly attacked Ukraine’s power system before winter, when losing heat and electricity can make life harder for civilians.
Zelenskyy said pressure on Russia was needed to stop the attacks, and called for the sanctions to be made effective.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged supporters to speak out for US sanctions on Russia after President Donald Trump paused a sweeping sanctions package.
Zelenskyy said easing sanctions would encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue the war.
The legislation would allow tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, as well as sanctions on Russian officials, banks and oil tankers.
Zelenskyy said the bill could still help pressure Russia and called for every voice in its support.
His appeal came as Russia launched a large overnight attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged supporters to back the sanctions. US President Donald Trump paused them.
- What
- Trump put a sweeping package of sanctions on hold. Zelenskyy said the move was wrong and urged supporters to speak out.
- When
- Trump announced the pause on October 16, 2026. Zelenskyy made his appeal on October 17.
- Where
- The decision was made in the United States. The sanctions targeted Russia, which is waging war against Ukraine.
- Why
- Trump said the pause was in the national interest. Zelenskyy said sanctions could pressure Russia to end the war.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Zelenskyy described bipartisan support for the Russia sanctions bill as a major victory.
Trump signed an executive order pausing the sanctions package, saying the pause was in the national interest.
Russia launched an attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure; Ukraine’s air force reported four cruise missiles and 332 attack drones.
Zelenskyy urged supporters to speak out for the sanctions and said the bill could still help pressure Russia.
- Sanctions legislation
- Lindsey Graham Act
- Tariff authority
- Up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas
- Russian attack
- More than 15 energy sites targeted, according to Zelenskyy
- Ukraine’s air force report
- Four cruise missiles and 332 attack drones launched overnight
- Diesel supply announced by Trump
- More than 300,000 tonnes immediately, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and 1 million tonnes thereafter
6 sources
Trump’s pause on Russia sanctions will intensify war in Ukraine, Zelenskyy warns
Selenskyj kritisiert Aussetzung von US-Sanktionen
'Putin feels joy' — Zelensky calls Trump's waiving of key Russia sanctions 'wrong'
Zelensky urges support for new U.S. sanctions on Russia after Trump pauses them
Zelenskyy asks supporters to back new US sanctions against Russia
Zelenskyy urges support for new U.S. sanctions on Russia hours after Trump paused them
What people are saying
This Act could have helped enormously — and still can! But it needs to actually work, and every voice in support of it matters
Unfortunately, I don't think this is a way to stop (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. On the contrary, he feels joy that he has such support
We must not give up ground
These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, and everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin