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Trump defends pausing Russian sanctions, says peace deal is close — and savages Zelensky for attacking diesel refineries

trump-defends-pausing-russian-sanctions,-says-peace-deal-is-close-—-and-savages-zelensky-for-attacking-diesel-refineries
Trump defends pausing Russian sanctions, says peace deal is close — and savages Zelensky for attacking diesel refineries

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President Trump defended his decision to pause sanctions against Russia as a means to secure a permanent peace deal and bring fuel price relief for the US — while slamming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ongoing strikes on Moscow’s oil refineries.

Following backlash over his executive order to halt sanctions against Moscow, Trump claimed that giving Russian President Vladimir Putin a carrot would lead him back to the negotiating table.

“My decision on Russia is a very simple one. I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 17: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a midterm rally at Truist Arena on the Northern Kentucky University campus on October 17, 2026 in Highland Heights, Kentucky. President Trump traveled to Kentucky to headline the rally for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)

“I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday. Getty Images

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - OCTOBER 16: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy talks to media during an EU Summit at European Council on October 16, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. European Union leaders will confront mounting threats to the bloc's economic competitiveness and tackle soaring energy prices at the summit, which comes amid growing geopolitical instability. (Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)

Trump also tore into Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he “doesn’t want to end this war, and probably never did.” Getty Images

People watch a burning oil terminal following an air attack in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. Russia shot down dozens of Ukrainian drones near Saint Petersburg, with an oil terminal hit and flights disrupted at one of the country's busiest airports.

A burning oil terminal after Ukraine’s air attack in Saint Petersburg, Russia on Oct. 18, 2026. AFP via Getty Images

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits a command post for the joint force grouping.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits a command post for the joint force grouping on Oct. 16, 2026. RUSSIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS OFFICE/AFP via Getty Images

“Great progress is being made, and that includes current hostage negotiations!” he added without specifying what captives he was referring to.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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