Putin Targets Ukrainian Civilians in Safari Attacks as Trump Stays Silent
President Donald Trump waived sanctions on Russia two days before federal law would have triggered them. He also announced U.S. purchases of Russian diesel.
300,000 tons of Russian diesel, about 2.2 million barrels, will be bought.
Trump certified the waiver to Congress as serving U.S. national interests.
Witkoff called Putin a humanitarian after meeting him Wednesday.
Zelensky said talks with Witkoff advanced strong security guarantees for Ukraine.
Why it matters: The waiver and diesel deal break with years of U.S. pressure on Moscow. Russia has made no reported concessions in return.
Trump has blamed Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries for higher energy prices.
Sens. Thom Tillis, John Cornyn and Kevin Cramer criticized the move.
Strong LeftLeftLean LeftCenterLean RightRightStrong Right
Political Bias
Coverage by lean% of 6 sources
6 sources · 8 articles · 67% Left coverage
Where they split: Both outlets oppose Trump's approach; the dispute is whether his stance reflects a deliberate alignment with Putin or a negotiating posture that could still shift.
Left coverage, 4 sources: The left sees the waiver and diesel purchase as evidence of an alliance with Putin that Republicans must now answer for.
