Trump's Ukraine rebuke after backlash over his Russia moves: "They've given nothing to us"

As of October 20, 2026, US President Donald Trump has suspended new sanctions against Russia that were set to take effect under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which he signed into law in September. This decision came after Trump lifted restrictions on Russian diesel exports to help lower fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections. The move has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, including House Speaker Johnson (R-La.), who warned of "unintended consequences" and emphasized that "Putin cannot be trusted." Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Trump's approach to Russia, suggesting that Ukraine needs a new leader capable of negotiating peace effectively. Trump defended his decision by arguing it is necessary for potential diplomatic progress in the war between Russia and Ukraine but faces significant opposition from those concerned about supporting an untrustworthy adversary at the expense of a key ally.