Trump delays new Russia sanctions, Zelenskyy sees Putin aided
Kyiv is open to a new U.S.-backed meeting next week, while a proposed trilateral format with Russia remains unconfirmed.
U.S. President Donald Trump has delayed the imposition of several new sanctions, restrictions and tariffs against Russia, drawing protests from Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the move instead benefits Russian President Vladimir Putin and could prolong the war, rather than pressure Moscow to halt its attacks, including on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Even so, Zelenskyy said Kyiv remains ready to continue U.S.-mediated peace talks. He said Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators could meet as soon as next week, and Washington is preparing a proposal for a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the U.S. and Russia. Possible venues mentioned include the sidelines of the G20 summit, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia or another European country, but neither Moscow nor Washington has confirmed anything.