Trump pauses Russia sanctions after diesel deal, drawing criticism from Zelensky

The dispute centres on competing approaches to Russian energy revenue. President Donald Trump agreed to buy Russian diesel to try to lower global energy prices, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky argued that the energy agreement would finance Russia's offensive, Perfil.com reported.

The deal also collided with a sanctions law Trump had recently approved. According to CNBC, he signed the Graham Bill, which targeted Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, into law in September. Global News reported that the legislation sought to restrict the financial resources funding the war.

On October 16, Zelensky turned to European allies for more financial backing. He asked Brussels for an additional €70 billion to fund the war against Russia next year, according to AFP.

European leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine at the Brussels summit, Deutsche Welle reported. Its coverage also described worsening relations with Washington and a large budget shortfall facing Ukraine ahead of winter.

Late on October 16, Trump signed an executive order suspending the new sanctions. He said the decision "is in the national interests of the United States," according to NBC News. The move followed the diesel purchase agreement.

The waiver extended beyond penalties aimed directly at Russia. CBS Top Stories reported that Trump also stopped hefty tariffs on large buyers of Russian oil from taking effect. India Today reported that India had faced tariffs of 100 percent.

On October 17, Zelensky urged supporters to speak out in defence of the sanctions, according to the Associated Press. NBC News reported that he accused Trump of "rewarding Putin." Meanwhile, Putin's envoy praised the decision as a "historic moment," according to The Hindu.

The new sanctions package is on hold, rather than taking effect as Congress intended. The coverage differs on the precise implementation deadline: ABCNews.com described the penalties as two days away, while India Today said the India tariffs were due a day later. Both reported that Trump intervened before implementation.

The immediate divide is clear. Washington is pursuing cheaper energy through Russian supplies, while Zelensky is pressing for financial pressure on Russia and more European funding for Ukraine. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said Russia would benefit most from the waiver.

The next issues are whether European allies provide the additional funding Zelensky requested and whether the suspended penalties return. Business Line reported that experts see the threat of revived tariffs as potential leverage in trade talks, leaving major Russian oil buyers with relief but continuing uncertainty.