Zelenskyy urges backing for U.S. sanctions on Russia that Trump put on hold on Friday night
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged support on Saturday, October 17, for new U.S. sanctions on Russia, a day after President Donald Trump paused them, ABC News and The Washington Post reported. The AP said Mr. Trump signed an executive order on Friday night pausing a broad set of restrictions on Russia's economy, citing the national interest. Mr. Zelenskyy referred to the Lindsey Graham Act and said every voice in support matters. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a co-drafter of the bill, said the waivers had nothing to do with national security. Mr. Zelenskyy said negotiator Rustem Umerov met U.S. envoy Jared Kushner on Friday. Mr. Trump said Saturday he did not yet know his decision.
Sanctions legislation passed by Congress can be softened by presidential waivers, so the pause shows where the real decision sits. For Ukraine, the issue is leverage before winter, since coverage noted fears that it could be left exposed to Russian attacks. For Canada, which coordinates its own sanctions with allies, U.S. policy shapes how effective joint measures are.
If you follow energy markets, sanctions on Russia's economy are one factor in oil prices, which Mr. Macklem also cited as driving inflation. Most Canadians will notice the effect indirectly through fuel and food costs. Canadians with ties to Ukraine are watching for any announcement of a Trump-Putin meeting.
Mr. Zelenskyy and Senator Blumenthal argue the sanctions should proceed, saying that blocking them encourages Russia to keep fighting and benefits Mr. Putin.
The White House cited U.S. national interest for the pause, and Mr. Trump said he had not decided, which keeps room for the diplomacy Mr. Zelenskyy described, including a possible three-way meeting.
Established: the executive order pausing the sanctions, Mr. Zelenskyy's appeal and the Umerov-Kushner meeting. Not established: whether the pause is temporary or what Mr. Trump will decide. Watch for his announcement and any date for a meeting with Mr. Putin.
DailyDrop Canada edition No. 14 · Morning · SUN., OCT. 18, 2026