Russia has assessed the decision of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to lift new sanctions against Moscow as a historic event. This news comes as Ukraine is concerned that Washington may act in favor of Russia in the worst conflict in Europe since World War II.
Lift of sanctions and its impact on the global market
On Friday, Trump signed an executive order that included the lifting of extensive sanctions targeting Russia's energy revenues. This action came amid rising tensions with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Kirill Dmitriev, a representative of the President of Russia, this action is a significant and historic moment that could seriously harm the U.S. economy and global markets.
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The Lindsey Graham law, which targeted Russia's energy and defense sectors, was suspended based on this lifting of sanctions. This law also specifically addresses Vladimir Putin and the shadow fleet of tankers that Moscow uses to circumvent Western sanctions. The lifting of sanctions followed an agreement between Trump and Putin to reduce existing sanctions in exchange for supplying a large amount of diesel to global markets.
Military operations and international reactions
Putin, while in military uniform, announced that Moscow intends to seize the remaining eastern regions of Ukraine. In a meeting with military commanders, he stated, "Overall, I see a positive trend in the operations of military groups, and one of the main objectives remains the liberation of the Donetsk People's Republic." Meanwhile, Russian forces have intensified their attacks on Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine.
This action by Trump may worry Ukraine's European allies. At the EU summit in Brussels, Zelensky urged them not to withdraw funding for the war in Ukraine. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, said, "This is not the right time to reduce support for Ukraine. This is not the right time to reduce sanctions against Russia."
Attacks on the city of Kherson in Ukraine on Saturday following Trump's announcement resulted in one death and 22 injuries. Ukraine is making significant efforts to target Russian missiles ahead of the new winter of war, while the military situation in the country has become extremely complicated.
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