Trump waives Russia sanctions as Zelensky says it rewards Putin

Summary

US President Donald Trump waived more sanctions on Russia in a bid to ease energy prices, Al Jazeera reports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the decision rewards Vladimir Putin, according to RTÉ. The Financial Times reports that Trump exempted Russia from further sanctions mandated by a new law, giving Putin a reprieve on threatened energy measures after a deal with Moscow to release diesel.

Timeline

1. Financial Times

   17 Oct 2026, 02:31 UTCSource ↗

   The Financial Times reports that Trump exempted Russia from further sanctions mandated by a new law, giving Putin a reprieve after a deal with Moscow to release diesel.

2. RTÉ

   17 Oct 2026, 03:20 UTCSource ↗

   RTÉ reports that Zelensky said Trump’s decision to waive Russia sanctions rewards Putin.

3. Al Jazeera

   17 Oct 2026, 04:58 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that Trump waived more sanctions on Russia in a bid to ease energy prices.