Trump blocks multiple Russian sanctions under national interests authority

US President Donald Trump issued an executive order blocking numerous sanctions on Russia that were recently passed by the US Congress to penalise Moscow's war on Ukraine.

Trump stated that withholding the sanctions is in US national interests, following a recent announcement to import Russian diesel to lower domestic energy costs ahead of midterms.

The move drew swift criticism from bipartisan lawmakers and Ukrainian officials, who argued it undermines legislation designed to pressure Russia into peace negotiations.