Former US envoy says Trump’s actions appear to aid Russia over Ukraine
William B. Taylor said that President Trump’s recent decisions, such as scrapping a major sanctions package and signing a diesel supply agreement, look like they help Russia rather than Ukraine.
William B. Taylor, who served as the United States ambassador to Ukraine, said that President Donald Trump’s recent policy steps appear to favor Russia over Ukraine. He pointed to Trump’s decision to drop a comprehensive sanctions package known as the Graham law, which would have levied high tariffs on Russian goods and targeted key energy and defense sectors. Taylor also highlighted Trump’s agreement to supply diesel to Russia, describing it as a move aimed at lowering US fuel prices ahead of midterm elections.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a 60-day pause to assess the budgetary effects of abandoning the sanctions. While European leaders, such as those in Luxembourg, have broadened sanctions against Moscow, Taylor argued that only sustained pressure on Vladimir Putin will end the conflict in Ukraine.
Why it matters
The comments suggest US policy may be shifting in a way that could affect the war in Ukraine and global sanctions regimes.
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