Zelenskyy Calls Trump’s Pause on Russia Sanctions a ‘Reward’ for Putin
The pause on sanctions comes amid mounting tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Relations have frayed following a controversial U.S. deal to import Russian diesel and accusations from Ukraine that the Trump administration has rolled back crucial military support, including disrupted intelligence sharing and Starlink internet connectivity. In response to the shifting U.S. stance, Zelenskyy has urged European allies to speak out in defense of the measures and establish independent negotiations with Moscow.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic friction has coincided with a surge in military aggression. As the sanctions were paused, Moscow launched severe, unannounced airstrikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in an apparent effort to render cities unlivable ahead of the winter months.