Zelenskyy Says Trump Sanctions Rollback Will Intensify War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Oct. 17, 2026, that U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to roll back sanctions on Russia will intensify Russia's war in Ukraine. He said the easing of pressure rewards Moscow and encourages further attacks The Guardian.
On Oct. 16, 2026, Trump said he would put on hold a sweeping Russia sanctions package passed by both chambers of Congress, citing national interest. The bill, known as the Graham Act, would have imposed sanctions on Russia's energy sector, financial institutions and shadow fleet of oil tankers.
The administration also moved on fuel trade. On Oct. 9, 2026, Trump said he had reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian fuel and import Russian diesel Reuters. About a week before Oct. 17, Trump said the United States had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia. On Oct. 17, Trump waived key Russia-related U.S. sanctions and tariffs days before they were to take effect Reuters.
Zelenskyy said he expects the Trump administration to lift more sanctions in the future. He described the diesel deal as the first step and said the lifting of sanctions will continue.
He said lifting sanctions on Russia was "wrong" and "only helps the Russians" NBC News. He urged Trump to reverse course on waiving and suspending the sanctions. Ukraine's presidential website states that sanctions efforts have been weakened in many respects.
Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev described the suspension of the Graham Act as an important and truly historic moment. The comment came as Russia launched a massive strike against Ukraine's energy sector and power plants ahead of winter around Oct. 17.
Zelenskyy called for Europe to establish its own negotiations with Moscow. He asked European Union leaders for an extra $79 billion to help fight Russia next year Al Jazeera. EU leaders rallied around Zelenskyy after Trump criticised Ukraine in October 2026. Trump called Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries a "disgrace" Reuters.
A White House presidential action titled Implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 remains published. It states the rate of duty on goods from the Russian Federation shall be increased by 500 percent ad valorem.
