Pelosi condemns Trump’s suspension of anti-Russia sanctions as a betrayal of U.S. values
Nancy Pelosi criticized President Trump for ending new sanctions against Russia, saying the move insults American democracy and the military.
Nancy Pelosi warned that President Trump’s executive order canceling fresh anti-Russia sanctions betrays both American democracy and the military, noting Russia’s support for Iran’s strikes on U.S. forces. She aligned with Republican senators in labeling the action a surrender to Vladimir Putin, whom she described as a dictator waging a massacre of innocent civilians in Ukraine. Zelenskyy responded, saying the reduced pressure on Moscow may embolden further attacks.
The controversy arises as Moscow seeks talks with the United States without Ukrainian participation, and Putin has proposed a summit with Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC meeting in China. The Kremlin confirmed the proposal, and the White House indicated Trump might be receptive to the idea.
Why it matters
The suspension of sanctions could shift the balance of U.S. pressure on Russia amid the Ukraine war.
How this story developed
- Oct 12 Kremlin Rejects Zelensky's Call for Two-Month Ceasefire Ahead of Ukrainian Election
- Oct 12 The Kremlin reiterated its rejection of the 60‑day ceasefire request.
- Oct 16 President Trump must decide by Sunday whether to invoke a new sanctions law, and analysts warn that heavy tariffs on India would damage the bilateral relationship.
- Oct 17 Trump signed an executive order postponing the enforcement of the Graham Act sanctions.
- Oct 18 Ukrainian drones launched a large-scale attack on St. Petersburg early on Oct. 18, triggering multiple explosions and fires across the city.
- Oct 18 Senator Darline Graham said she has not yet spoken with Trump about the waiver and will meet him in South Carolina next week.
- Oct 18 Authorities confirmed one fatality and five injuries resulting from the St. Petersburg raid.
- Oct 19 Trump defended the waiver, saying it supports peace negotiations and keeps diesel prices low.
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