Republican senators criticise Trump for pausing Russia sanctions as Bessent warns Zelensky
Republican senators have criticised Donald Trump for suspending new sanctions on Russia only four weeks after signing them into law. The move comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin presses for a summit with Trump and China’s Xi Jinping on Ukraine’s future, potentially without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump’s executive order waives sanctions and tariffs that included a proposed 500 per cent duty on Russian goods. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, meanwhile, warned Zelensky to be careful after he accused Washington of ordering Starlink service to be slowed for Ukrainian forces; Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio deny that claim. The article says the shift towards Moscow comes weeks before midterm elections, amid high fuel prices and debate over a proposed US purchase of Russian diesel.
- Republican senators condemn Trump’s pause on Russia sanctions.
- The waived measures included a proposed 500 per cent tariff.
- Bessent warns Zelensky over his Starlink allegation.
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US sanctions are penalties intended to pressure another country, for example by restricting trade or access to money. Congress can pass sanctions laws, while the president can sometimes grant temporary waivers; tariffs are taxes on imported goods. Russia has faced US sanctions since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the two countries remain at war.
Donald Trump is the US president, and Vladimir Putin leads Russia. Volodymyr Zelensky is Ukraine’s president, while Scott Bessent heads the US Treasury Department, which handles sanctions. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, is also a central figure in discussions about the war because of China’s ties with Russia.
The dispute matters because US sanctions can affect Russia’s economy and signal how firmly Washington backs Ukraine. Starlink, a satellite internet service used by Ukrainian forces, has also become part of the debate over US support. The issue sits alongside domestic concerns such as fuel costs and the approaching US midterm elections.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A pause could give the administration room to pursue direct talks with Moscow and avoid measures that might raise energy costs or trigger retaliation before their effects are clear. Supporters may argue that sanctions are most useful when they serve a diplomatic strategy, and that a summit could help advance a settlement even if Ukraine is not present at every preliminary discussion.
The case against
Critics can argue that suspending sanctions so soon after Congress enacted them weakens US credibility and reduces pressure on Russia while it continues its war. They may also see talks about Ukraine without Zelensky as undermining Ukrainian agency, and contend that easing restrictions risks rewarding Moscow without securing meaningful concessions.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Republicans turn on Trump after surprise Putin sanctions pause… as top MAGA henchman warns Zelensky after ‘careless’ accusation”.