Trump’s decision to ease sanctions pleases Putin, Zelenskyy says as he criticizes the move

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to ease sanctions pressure on Russia drew criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking to journalists, he voiced concern that lifting the restrictions could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin to pursue further aggression.

“Unfortunately, the lifting of sanctions will continue. I believe the diesel deal is the first step. Unfortunately, it seems to me that this is not how you can stop Putin. On the contrary, he feels joy and happiness that he has such support,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy also cautioned against limiting Ukraine’s ability to respond to Russian attacks. In his view, such steps, along with easing sanctions against Moscow, will not help bring the war to an end. Instead, pressure should be brought to bear on Russia, rather than creating conditions that the Kremlin could interpret as support for its actions.

At the same time, the Ukrainian president expressed hope that the head of the White House would do everything necessary to make Russia stop the killings and attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and end the war.

We previously reported:

• Diesel as a path to negotiations: U.S. banks on a deal, Kyiv remains skeptical
• Trump called for Ukraine to elect a new president who can make a deal
• Gifts for Putin: Zelenskyy responds to sanctions being lifted on Russian diesel
• Russian diesel to enter the U.S. market: Trump and Putin agree on supplies
• Trump ready to bargain with the Kremlin: release of political prisoners could be traded for sanctions relief