President Trump defended his controversial decision to pause sanctions against Russia, telling reporters the move would help secure a permanent peace deal and lower fuel prices for Americans while blasting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for strikes on Russian oil refineries.
The president’s executive order halting Russian sanctions drew immediate backlash from both parties on Capitol Hill, but Trump doubled down during a Saturday press briefing. He framed the pause as leverage to end the war while bringing relief at the pump for American families still reeling from elevated energy costs.
Trump Links Sanctions Pause to Peace Progress
Trump claimed giving Moscow breathing room on sanctions would facilitate final negotiations toward ending the conflict. He pointed to direct conversations with Russian officials as evidence that a deal is within reach, though he provided no timeline or specific terms under discussion.
The sanctions pause comes as diesel and gasoline prices remain above pre-war levels despite fluctuations over the past year. Trump has repeatedly cited energy costs as a kitchen-table issue that matters more to voters than geopolitical posturing in Eastern Europe.
Zelensky Targeted for Refinery Attacks
Trump reserved sharp criticism for Zelensky over Ukraine’s continued drone and missile strikes on Russian diesel refineries and fuel infrastructure. The president argued these attacks undermine peace efforts and contribute to global energy instability that hurts American consumers.
Ukrainian forces have systematically targeted Russian refineries throughout the war as part of their strategy to degrade Moscow’s military logistics and economic capacity. Zelensky has defended the strikes as legitimate military operations against an aggressor nation.
The clash highlights growing tension between Trump’s desire to broker a swift end to the conflict and Ukraine’s insistence on continuing offensive operations while it holds battlefield advantages. Congressional Republicans remain split between supporting Ukraine’s war effort and backing Trump’s deal-making approach.
Critics warn that pausing sanctions without concrete Russian concessions surrenders American leverage and rewards Moscow’s aggression. Supporters counter that only bold moves can break the diplomatic stalemate and bring troops home while protecting American economic interests.
Key Points
- Trump paused Russian sanctions claiming the move will facilitate a permanent peace deal and reduce U.S. fuel costs
- The president criticized Zelensky for Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries that he says undermine peace efforts
- The decision drew bipartisan backlash on Capitol Hill amid concerns about surrendering leverage to Moscow
https://nypost.com/2026/10/18/us-news/trump-defends-pausing-russian-sanctions-savages-zelensky-over-diesel-refineries-attack/ – October 18, 2026
