Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Sunday, October 18, that he would hold off on signing a document imposing additional measures against Russia, arguing that the move could undermine negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said he did not want to drive Moscow away from the negotiating table. He claimed that talks were making significant progress and said he could sign the document later.
Trump also referred to ongoing “hostage negotiations” but provided no details or identified those involved.
His statement followed controversy over Washington’s delay in implementing new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia and buyers of Russian energy.
The measures approved by Congress include sanctions on Russian officials, banks and energy traders, alongside the possibility of steep tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and gas.
Trump also cited Moscow’s limited assistance to Iran as a reason to avoid further pressure, saying he wanted to discourage greater Russian involvement.
The president criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over attacks on Russian oil and diesel refineries, arguing that they were disrupting global fuel markets and raising costs for farmers and businesses.
He claimed Russia was supplying large quantities of diesel to international markets at low prices and accused Zelenskyy of lacking an interest in ending the war.
Kyiv has defended its strikes as a response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian power infrastructure and an effort to reduce revenue supporting Moscow’s military campaign.
Zelenskyy has argued that easing pressure on Russia would encourage it to prolong the conflict.
Trump’s approach has drawn criticism from Ukraine and lawmakers in both major US parties, including over postponed sanctions and Washington’s authorisation of Russian diesel imports.
