Trump Says Russia Sanctions Waiver Is to Keep Moscow at Negotiating Table

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump on Oct. 18 defended his decision to waive Russia sanctions, arguing that it’s essential to keeping Moscow at the negotiating table in talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

“My decision on Russia is a very simple one. I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table,” he wrote in a Truth Social post.

“Great progress is being made, and that includes current hostage negotiations! Signing that document at this time will do that, and I can sign it later, or any time that I want!”

Trump issued an executive order on Oct. 16 waiving new sanctions against Russia, stating that the move would serve the U.S. national interest.

Legislation championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and signed into law by Trump on Sept. 18 would have imposed sanctions on the top five countries that purchase oil and gas from Russia over its war against Ukraine.

In an interview with Meet the Press, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Trump’s decision to waive Russia sanctions a “historic mistake” and “big support” for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The sanctions waiver came days after Trump reached a deal with Moscow to supply diesel to the global market, including the United States, to lower fuel prices.

According to the deal, Russia had agreed to immediately release more than 300,000 tons of diesel to the global market. An additional 500,000 tons of diesel will be shipped out in November, followed by an additional million tons in December, Trump said in a Truth Social post on Oct. 9.

Another 3 million tons of diesel could be delivered depending on the condition of Russia’s refineries, Trump added.

Trump defended the sanctions waiver after growing criticism that he is helping Moscow continue its war against Ukraine.

He added in his Oct. 18 post that Moscow “is doing very little, if anything, to help the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

“I want to keep it that way, and will, unless stupid people get in the way,” he added.

He continued his criticism of Zelenskyy, echoing remarks he had made in recent days.

“Zelenskyy is using Diesel Refineries in Russia as a target, knowing that these attacks are seriously hurting the world diesel markets, including those in the United States,” he wrote. “Farmers, ranchers, and businesses of all kinds are suffering greatly from this.”

Trump also said that the Ukrainian leader appeared indifferent to his warnings, accusing him of not wanting to end the war.

He also reiterated that Zelenskyy missed an opportunity to negotiate a more favorable agreement to end the war two years ago.

“His country is in shambles, a large portion of his land is lost, his oceans and seas are gone, and his male population is low, wounded, and/or dead,” Trump wrote.

Aldgra Fredly contributed to this report.