Trump faces bipartisan backlash over Russia sanctions waiver

US President Donald Trump faces bipartisan backlash over Russia sanctions waiver

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US President Donald Trump has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans after waiving sanctions targeting Russia and countries that buy its oil and gas, days before the restrictions were due to take effect under a law he signed last month.

The move has been condemned by both Democrats and Republicans, with Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina calling the decision “beyond irresponsible”, accusing the administration of capitulating to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas also criticised the move, saying the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who championed the legislation, “would be appalled”.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts accused Trump of “thumbing his nose” at Congress and enabling Putin to continue his war against Ukraine, urging colleagues to take action to reverse the decision.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also criticised the sanctions waiver on Saturday, saying easing pressure on Russia would encourage further attacks.

The decision came shortly after Trump agreed to a deal to buy Russian diesel in an effort to lower fuel prices, which have risen amid the US-Israeli war on Iran.