Zelenskyy challenges Russia sanctions waiver as Washington puts new pressure on hold

Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged supporters on Saturday 17 October to back stronger US sanctions on Russia after Donald Trump waived a new package of restrictions. The immediate question is how much additional economic pressure Washington is prepared to apply while its relationship with Kyiv deteriorates.

What the order actually changes

The executive order, signed on 16 October, invokes a waiver in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. It suspends specified new sanctions, restrictions and tariffs, including measures concerning Russian energy purchases. Trump states that he submitted a national-interest certification to Congress.

A waiver is not the end of every sanction

The text expressly preserves measures imposed under earlier executive orders addressing harmful Russian government activities. Describing the decision as the removal of all American sanctions would therefore be wrong. The new waivers remain effective until the president or designated officials decide further action is appropriate; the text gives no fixed expiry date.

Why Kyiv is pushing back now

AP reports that Zelenskyy criticised the decision on Saturday. Reuters describes a broader dispute over Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, energy prices and continued American support. That context makes the waiver significant beyond its legal wording: Kyiv wants pressure on Russian revenues while Washington is withholding a new instrument.

The next test

The order retains monitoring of energy purchases and sanctions evasion. The practical question is whether Washington subsequently activates the waived measures. Neither the waiver nor Kyiv’s objection establishes a ceasefire, a peace agreement or an end to the fighting.