Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized President Donald Trump’s decision on Saturday to drop new sanctions on Russia, warning that easing economic pressure would only make Russian President Vladimir Putin more aggressive.
Trump signed an executive order on Friday suspending sanctions and tariffs under the Lindsey Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act, which was signed into law last month. The penalties are scheduled to take effect on Sunday.
“It is unfortunate that the United States has made the decision to completely ignore the Lindsey Graham Act, which should have put real and effective pressure on Russia to end this war,” Zelensky wrote on Saturday.
Yesterday, Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector – more than 15 critical power generation and transmission facilities in different regions of Ukraine were targeted. Restoration work is ongoing and Ukrainian energy companies will engage all necessary services and all available resources. I thank everyone who worked tirelessly to restore power.
The most difficult areas are Lutsk, Rivne, Zhitomir, Vinnitsa, Shepetivka, Slavuta and Netishhin. Energy facilities in Kharkiv, Kiev, Dnipro and other regions were also attacked. The Russians have expanded their counter-energy operations and are trying to weaken our reserves and repair capabilities as much as possible. Between 7pm last night and 7am this morning alone, more than 320 jet and gasoline-powered Shahds and loitering munitions, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles were used to attack our energy sector, our cities and our communities. Although our fighters shot down a significant number of these aircraft, the scale and relentless pace of Russian airstrikes, particularly those targeting our energy sector, unfortunately had serious consequences.
Importantly, our European partners have prepared new support packages for Ukraine. I thank them for that. It’s important that everyone in America can see what’s really happening. When the Russians launched such a massive attack on our energy sector, the United States made the unfortunate decision to completely ignore the Lindsey Graham Act, which would have put real and effective pressure on Russia to end this war. This bill would have helped tremendously—and still can! But it needs to really work, and every voice that supports it matters.
Russia is trying to blackout Ukraine ahead of winter. Russia is trying to deprive millions of our people of power and heat. Pressure needs to be applied to stop this. The U.S. sanctions blockade, the reduced pressure on the aggressor, the economic rewards for Putin – all these only encourage him to continue the attack. We must not give up our ground. We must continue to work to end the war. To end it, don’t give Putin a good reason to continue indefinitely. I thank all those who are truly fighting for peace and helping Ukraine!
— Vladimir Zelensky / Vladimir Zelensky (@ZelenskyyUa) October 17, 2026
“This bill could have helped tremendously – and still can! But it needs to really work, and every voice supporting it matters,” he added.
The White House said the exemption was in the national interest. The order pauses new penalties but leaves existing sanctions against Russia in place.
Meanwhile, Moscow welcomed the decision. Putin’s investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev called it an “important and truly historic moment” and suggested it could open the door to renewed economic cooperation with Washington.
The move comes as Russia steps up attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Zelensky said Russian forces targeted more than 15 energy facilities in nighttime attacks. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 332 drones and four cruise missiles were launched during the attack.
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Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., accused Trump of undermining bipartisan efforts to pressure Moscow.
“Trump’s recent capitulation to Putin once again betrayed our Ukrainian partners and violated the clear intent of Congress’ legislation designed to punish Russia for its illegal war of aggression,” Baier said.
Trump just waived all sanctions on Russia under the Lindsey Graham Russia Sanctions Act, just as I and others warned him.
Trump’s recent capitulation to Putin has once again betrayed our Ukrainian partners and ignored the clear intent of Congress’ legislation designed to punish Russia for its illegal war of aggression.
Trump has proven that he will twist this law and abuse the power it gives him. While he retains tariff authority for now, the law as written also empowers Trump to weaponize new trade authorities against our allies and trading partners.
Congress must amend this flawed law to prevent Trump from surrendering to Putin and ensure his true support for Ukraine.
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) October 17, 2026
The Graham Act authorizes new economic penalties, including tariffs, against countries that buy Russian energy, but also authorizes the president to waive those penalties on national interest grounds.
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