Trump waives Russia sanctions

President Donald Trump waived sweeping new sanctions against Russia passed by Congress, arguing in an executive order Friday that the move is in the national interests of the United States.

The bill Trump signed last month

Trump had signed the legislation, named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, just last month. The bill took aim at Russia's largest buyers of oil and gas.

What the sanctions allowed

The bill allowed the president to impose tariffs on goods from countries that are Russia's largest oil and gas buyers, which may include China and India.

Bipartisan support for pressure

Passed with bipartisan support, the bill was intended to target Russia's revenue streams as the country continues to wage its war against Ukraine. Suspending the sanctions provides Russia a financial lifeline.

Trump's explanation

Asked by reporters Saturday evening why he waived the sanctions, Trump said it is a very good decision and going to be good for the country and the world because we are really at a…

“It's a very good decision, and it's going to be a decision that's good for the country, and I think good for the world because we're really at a world stage.”

Rubio's sixty-day analysis

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Saturday evening that Trump wants to take sixty days to analyze the sanctions' impact on the U.S. and global economy given the pressure on global energy supplies.

The diesel fuel deal

Trump's decision to put a hold on the sanctions package comes after he announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week to release hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel fuel onto…

Zelenskyy calls it wrong

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that lifting sanctions was wrong and only helps the Russians. He decried what he called an American sanctions blackout.

“wrong and only helps the Russians.”

Zelenskyy on Putin's reaction

Zelenskyy told journalists in WhatsApp messages that he does not think this will stop Putin. On the contrary, he feels joy and happiness that there is such support.

“he feels joy and happiness that there is such support.”

Republican critics speak out

Representative Mike Lawler, Republican of New York, said on Fox News Saturday that he does not support Trump's decision, calling Putin a vile dictator and thug.

“a vile dictator and thug.”

More Republican opposition

Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, said on Fox News Saturday that the decision was a mistake and benefits Putin.

Democratic condemnation

Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, called the move a craven, cowardly action in a statement.

“craven, cowardly action”

Graham's complicated position

Senator Darline Graham, Republican of South Carolina, co-sponsored the bill named for her late brother.

Zelenskyy thanks supporters

Zelenskyy thanked both Democrats and Republicans who supported the legislation and praised the late Graham for his prolonged vocal support for Ukraine.