18 October 2026
US President Donald Trump’s decision to waive a further set of sanctions linked to Russian fossil fuel sales has triggered bipartisan backlash in Washington and renewed questions over US policy toward Moscow and Kyiv. The waiver, announced through an executive order on Friday, came just days before the sanctions were due to take effect under legislation Trump signed into law last month. The move has opened a fresh political row over economic pressure on Russia as its war against Ukraine continues. The development comes amid growing tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It has also deepened concerns among European allies about the durability of US support for Kyiv and the direction of Washington’s Russia policy Watch CNN-News18 LIVE for updates and analysis. #Trump #Russia #UkraineWar
On October 16, 2019, I told Donald Trump, “With you, Mr. President, all roads lead to Putin.”
On October 16, 2026, Trump signed an executive order waiving new sanctions on Russia passed by bipartisan majorities in Congress and signed into law just last month.
This decision insults America’s commitment to democracy and our brave men and women in uniform, as Russia helps Iran target American forces.
I join Republican senators in condemning this unconscionable capitulation to a Russian dictator who illegally invaded Ukraine and butchers innocent civilians.
As I have asked for years: What does Putin have on Trump that he would sell out America’s values?
