DEMOCRATS SLAM “SHAMEFUL” MOVE
Zelenskyy has a delicate relationship with Trump, who had a memorable blow-up with him in the Oval Office last year.
Ukraine needs US backing to fight off Russia, but has faced pressure from the Trump administration to sign off on a deal to end the more than four-year-old war triggered by Moscow’s invasion.
The US sanctions waiver allows for the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products that have been loaded onto any vessel as of Friday, through 12:01 am local time (0401 GMT) on May 16.
It extends an earlier easing of sanctions that expired on April 11.
Trump is keen to contain surging petrol prices ahead of key midterm elections this year.
Several top Democrats slammed the new sanctions relief however.
“This decision is shameful and a 180-degree reversal from Secretary Bessent, just two days after he pledged not to extend sanctions relief for Russia,” said Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren in a statement.
“Make no mistake, Putin has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of President Trump’s war against Iran, as Russia saw oil revenues nearly double in March.”