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Trump faces bipartisan backlash over waiving Russia sanctions
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- President Trump faced bipartisan criticism after waiving new sanctions on Russia just days before they were set to take effect, undermining legislation championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
- Trump justified the waiver by claiming it was in the national interest to keep Russia at the negotiating table for peace talks, despite ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure.
- Several Republican senators and House members condemned the move, arguing it aids Putin and prolongs the war, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed disappointment, highlighting the waiver's negative impact on U.S.-Ukraine relations.
- The administration's decision coincides with efforts to lower U.S. fuel prices ahead of midterm elections, including a controversial deal to import diesel from Russia amid disrupted global oil supplies.
- Separately, concerns grew over disruptions to Ukraine's Starlink satellite network, vital for defense against Russian drones, prompting bipartisan calls for a congressional investigation into the U.S. government's role in the service degradation.
