Trump Waives Russia Sanctions, Drawing Bipartisan Fire and Zelenskyy's Condemnation

What’s happening

President Trump has waived virtually all new Russia sanctions he had previously signed, a move that refills Moscow's coffers as it continues strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the decision "seems wrong" and warned it amounts to a "reward" for Vladimir Putin, while Congress members from both parties have expressed alarm.

Market impact

The waiver removes downside pressure on Russian energy exports and reduces supply-side constraints that had supported oil prices. However, it signals policy unpredictability that may keep geopolitical risk premiums elevated. Defense contractors and sanctions-sensitive sectors face renewed uncertainty about the administration's commitment to existing policy frameworks.

Broader implications

The sanctions waiver represents a fundamental shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Russia and Ukraine, prioritizing energy price relief over alliance solidarity. It exposes fissures between the Trump administration and Congress on war strategy and signals that economic relief for Russia may come at the expense of Ukrainian military support.