Trump waives sanctions against Russia

President Donald Trump has blocked several sanctions against Russia just two days before they were set to take effect, escalating tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The sanctions were passed by Congress and signed into law by Trump in September. However, Trump issued an executive order Friday night suspending some of the measures, saying the move was in the U.S. “national interest.” The decision sparked backlash from U.S. lawmakers, while Zelensky criticized Washington for choosing to “completely disregard” the sanctions.