Zelensky warns US waiver on Russian oil could prolong Ukraine war

Donald Trump has suspended sanctions on Russian energy exports that were due to take effect, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to warn the move could encourage Vladimir Putin to prolong the war. The Kremlin welcomed the decision, while Zelensky said it came as Russia mounted major attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure.

Zelensky said more than 15 critical power facilities were hit and that Russia launched over 320 Shahed drones alongside cruise and ballistic missiles. He accused Moscow of trying to leave millions without electricity and heating before winter, and urged continued pressure to end the war. The US said the waiver was in the national interest; Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev called it historic.