Trump waives new Russia sanctions before enforcement date

US President Donald Trump issued a waiver for a set of sanctions related to Russian fossil fuel sales just days before they were set to take effect, according to kztv10.com. These sanctions were part of a bill Trump signed into law last month, intended to pressure Russia amid its ongoing war with Ukraine.

The waiver announcement came amid increasing tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as signs of weakening US support for Kyiv, kztv10.com reported. Even Senator Darline Graham, a strong Trump ally and namesake of the sanctions bill, expressed disagreement with the president's decision.

The White House has reportedly pressured Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian refineries to help lower oil prices ahead of US midterm elections, but Ukraine resumed its strikes after a brief pause, according to kztv10.com. Russia has continued attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure throughout the week.

Zelensky condemned Trump's waiver, stating the sanctions could have been effective in ending the war if fully implemented. Despite the tensions, Zelensky said negotiators from both countries spoke and a potential meeting was being arranged, kztv10.com added.

The decision to waive the sanctions has sparked bipartisan backlash in the US and raised alarm among European allies concerned about the impact on the conflict and energy security, kztv10.com noted.