Zelensky calls Trump’s sanctions pause unfortunate, urges support

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called President Donald Trump’s decision to put new U.S. sanctions on Russia on hold unfortunate and urged support for them, ABC News reports. CBC reports Trump signed an executive order pausing a sweeping package of restrictions targeting the Russian economy. RFI says Zelensky criticized the move as rewarding Russian President Vladimir Putin; Deutsche Welle reports he also said Russia was trying to cut electricity and heating to civilians ahead of winter.

Timeline

1. RFI

   17 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTCSource ↗

   RFI reports that Zelensky criticized the U.S. decision to block sanctions on Russia, saying it rewards Putin.

2. Deutsche Welle

   17 Oct 2026, 11:34 UTCSource ↗

   Deutsche Welle reports that Zelenskyy said Russia was trying to cut electricity and heating to civilians ahead of winter and that the U.S. waiver of new sanctions boosts Putin.

3. CBC

   17 Oct 2026, 12:27 UTCSource ↗

   CBC reports that Zelensky urged supporters to speak out in defense of new U.S. sanctions after Trump signed an executive order pausing a sweeping package of restrictions targeting the Russian economy.

4. ABC News

   17 Oct 2026, 14:45 UTCSource ↗

   ABC News reports that Zelensky called Trump’s decision to put new U.S. sanctions on hold unfortunate and urged support for them.