# Zelenskyy: Trump lets Putin off sanctions

> Zelenskyy warns Trump's sanctions waiver emboldens Putin ahead of winter attacks.
- Title: Zelenskyy: Trump lets Putin off sanctions · Salon | Shortify
- Summary: Zelenskyy warns Trump's sanctions waiver emboldens Putin ahead of winter attacks. Zelenskyy says Trump's suspension of sanctions under the Lindsey Graham Act…
- Keywords: zelenskyy, trump, putin, lindsey graham act, sanctions, russia, ukraine, energy attacks, winter, news, politics, lets
- Source: Salon — https://salon.com/2026/10/17/zelenskyy-trump-is-letting-putin-off
- Author: CK Smith
- Published: 2026-10-17T17:30:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: zelenskyy, trump, putin, lindsey graham act, sanctions, russia, ukraine, energy attacks, winter, news, politics
## Zelenskyy criticizes Trump
Ukraine's president condemned Trump's decision to waive new sanctions against Russia.

> A decision was unfortunately made in America to completely disregard the Lindsey Graham Act
## Trump suspends sanctions
Trump signed an executive order Friday suspending sanctions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
## Russia attacks energy infrastructure
Russia targeted over 15 critical power facilities across Ukraine overnight.
## Energy strikes escalate
More than 320 drones and missiles hit Ukrainian energy sector between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. yesterday.
## Zelenskyy urges action
Zelenskyy warned that easing sanctions would embolden Putin and cause winter blackouts.

> Russia is trying to cause a blackout in Ukraine, right before winter
## White House defends waiver
White House called the sanctions waiver in the national interest while keeping existing sanctions.
## Putin's envoy celebrates
Putin's investment envoy called the waiver an 'important and truly historic moment'.

> an 'important and truly historic moment'
## Congressman criticizes Trump
Rep. Don Beyer accused Trump of undermining bipartisan efforts to pressure Moscow.

> Trump’s latest surrender to Putin again betrays our Ukrainian partners
## Key takeaway

Zelenskyy says Trump's suspension of sanctions under the Lindsey Graham Act will embolden Putin as Russia intensifies energy attacks before winter.