Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized the US government for the suspension of new sanctions against Russia. Speaking Saturday, Zelenskyy argued that Americans must understand the severity of the situation. He pointed out that while Russia has executed a massive attack on Ukraine’s energy sector, the decision was made in America to disregard the Lindsey-Graham Act, a law that he believes should exert genuine pressure on Russia to end the war. This legislation could have provided immense help, and still could.
Zelenskyy stated that Russia is attempting to cause a complete blackout in Ukraine just before winter, threatening to leave millions of people without electricity and heating. He stressed that this kind of pressure is necessary to halt these actions. He warned that the suspension of US sanctions, the easing of pressure on the aggressor, and financial incentives for Putin only encourage Russia to continue its attacks.
He urged that the world must not give ground, maintaining that the focus must remain on ending the war, rather than giving Putin any reason for indefinite prolongation. He thanked all those who are genuinely working for peace and helping Ukraine.
This criticism comes after US President Donald Trump unexpectedly announced the suspension of the new sanctions package against Russia, which had been passed by the US Congress. Trump stated that he had informed Congress of this decision, citing that the suspension was in the “national interest of the United States.”
