US President Donald Trump has suspended several sanctions targeting Russia just days before they were due to take effect, adding to growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv. The decision has drawn criticism from US lawmakers and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, who accused the US administration of disregarding the measures intended to pressure Moscow.

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The sanctions were passed by the US Congress and signed into law by Trump in September. However, an executive order issued on Friday night suspended some of the measures, with Trump citing the national interest of the United States as the reason for the decision.

Zelensky criticised the move, describing it as unfortunate that Washington had chosen to “completely disregard” the sanctions. His response comes amid increasingly strained relations between the two countries over military support, energy policy and the broader direction of US involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The latest dispute follows controversy surrounding a US arrangement to import Russian diesel. Ukraine has also accused the Trump administration of withdrawing key military support, adding another point of disagreement between the two governments.

Relations between Trump and Zelensky have become increasingly tense, with both leaders exchanging sharp remarks. Speaking at a European Union summit, Zelensky said it was good to be among “real leaders” after Trump had described him as more difficult to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The sanctions legislation was designed to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war and energy exports. It granted Trump broad authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting major buyers such as China and India.

The law also provided for sanctions targeting senior Russian officials, including Putin, alongside Russian financial institutions and the network of vessels commonly described as Russia’s “shadow fleet.” These ships are alleged to help Moscow transport oil while circumventing existing restrictions.

Trump’s decision to suspend some of the measures raises questions about how the US administration intends to balance its Russia policy with its relationships with Ukraine and other international partners. The move also highlights the continuing debate over the effectiveness of economic sanctions and their potential impact on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy.

The broader implications will depend on which sanctions remain suspended, how the administration implements the executive order and whether further action follows. The decision marks another development in the changing relationship between Washington, Kyiv and Moscow.