President Donald Trump has waived sanctions on Russia, a move that has sparked both praise and criticism from various quarters.
What happened
The sanctions were initially championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham as a measure to support Ukraine in its war against Moscow. However, Trump waived the sanctions, drawing backlash from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, many Democrats, and some Republicans in Congress.
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, offered rare praise for Trump's decision, commending the White House for lifting the sanctions. Massie had previously voted against the sanctions bill and welcomed Trump's use of executive authority to waive the provisions related to Russia.
Other reactions to the waiver were largely negative, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticizing Trump for giving the Russian economy "life support." Zelensky also weighed in, stating that the decision to undo the sanctions seems wrong and only helps the Russians, fueling their desire to continue killing people.
The waiver has highlighted the complex and often volatile relationship between Trump and Zelensky, with Trump recently calling for new leadership in Ukraine due to his concerns over the country's refusal to sign a peace deal to end its war against Russia.
