Trump suspends new Russia sanctions, drawing Zelenskyy’s criticism

President Donald Trump suspended a package of new U.S. sanctions on Russia, saying the pause serves American interests and would help keep Moscow engaged in peace negotiations with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the decision, warning that easing pressure could encourage Russia to continue its war. Trump said he did not want to take steps that could drive Russia away from the bargaining table. The White House also defended the suspension as serving U.S. interests and said enforcing the penalties could impede peace negotiations. Administration officials said the decision invoked a statutory 60-day review period, which they said runs through December 16. Zelenskyy argued that suspending sanctions rewards Russian President Vladimir Putin while Russian forces continue attacking Ukraine. He told reporters he believed further sanctions relief would follow and described a reported Russian diesel arrangement as a possible first step. Trump has separately defended pursuing Russian fuel supplies as a way to address energy costs. The sanctions decision concerns penalties passed by Congress in legislation named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. After the...