Why did Trump delay the "hellish sanctions"? Two reasons revealed
US President Donald Trump stated that he delayed the "hellish sanctions" against Russia to keep Moscow in the negotiations over Ukraine and to prevent its support for Iran from increasing. He emphasized that he could impose the restrictions whenever he deems necessary.
Why did Trump delay "hellish sanctions"? Two reasons given
According to the US President, negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine are currently ongoing. He believes that new restrictions could alienate Moscow from the talks.
Trump stated that there has been "noticeable progress" in relations with Russia, particularly regarding the release of prisoners. Therefore, he expressed that he does not wish to enact new sanctions at this time.
As the second reason, he cited Russia's stance toward Iran. Trump claimed that Moscow is providing very little assistance to Tehran relative to its capabilities. The US President wrote that he wants this situation to remain unchanged.
At the same time, Trump again criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the attacks on Russian oil refineries. In his view, the strikes on facilities producing diesel fuel are harming the global market, including US farmers and businesses.
Trump also accused Zelenskyy of not striving to end the war. This was a statement by the US President, in which he suggested that the Ukrainian leader could have reached an agreement earlier under better terms than those currently available.
The Graham bill, known as "hellish sanctions," provides for the introduction of an additional 500 percent tariff on Russian goods. It also envisages applying a 100 percent tariff on products from the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas, as well as countries assisting Moscow most actively in evading sanctions.
The law required the restrictions to be implemented by October 18, but it also granted the president the ability to suspend this process if it aligns with US national interests. Trump made use of this authority.