Trump eases Russia sanctions, challenging Congress
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on TimesLIVE
Donald Trump eased several economic sanctions targeting Russia while intensifying his criticism of Ukraine, prompting opposition from Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress. Twenty-two lawmakers are calling on him in particular to fully implement the law providing for new sanctions against Moscow, a challenge that could complicate his agenda after the midterm elections, according to TimesLIVE.
US President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel exports and suspended the implementation of new sanctions targeting Russian officials, oligarchs, banks and state-owned companies, Reuters reports. The measures, intended to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, have prompted opposition from across the political spectrum in the US Congress.
On 15 October, 17 Democratic lawmakers and five Republicans in the House of Representatives asked Trump to fully and immediately implement the sanctions provided for by a law backed by Senator Lindsey Graham. Congress passed the law by a large majority and Trump signed it into law in mid-September.
The opposition could complicate the presidential agenda after the 3 November midterm elections. Lawmakers could then examine defence and public spending budgets and attempt to amend or cancel Trump’s policy towards Russia.
Trump has also increased pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling for his replacement. The Starshield satellite system, used by Ukraine for battlefield communications and drone operations, was restricted on the White House’s orders before being restored, according to Reuters.
Republican Brian Fitzpatrick warned on X on Monday that any decision limiting the use of Starshield intelligence to warn Kyiv of Russian attacks would be investigated by Congress. He referred to severe budget cuts against the agencies or officials concerned. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told Reuters that Trump retained the option of reinstating the measures if he believed they would serve national interests.
The opposition is part of a series of positions taken against easing the sanctions, after Republican Senator John Cornyn called for an investigation into Trump and Putin on 18 October, and former Vice-President Mike Pence called for the reinstatement of sanctions against Russia on 19 October.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
