Trump defends Russian sanctions relief, lashes out at Zelenskyy

What happened: President Donald Trump defended sanction waivers for Russia on Truth Social, saying he wants to keep Moscow at the bargaining table, and accused Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war. Why it matters: The move has triggered a diplomatic fallout between Trump and Zelenskyy, and angered European partners and many US officials who say it rewards Moscow. Zelenskyy said waiving sanctions will hurt Ukraine. Key numbers: Trump announced plans on October 9 for Russia to supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel to US and global markets.

President Donald Trump defended sanction waivers for Russia on Truth Social, saying he wants to keep Moscow at the bargaining table, and accused Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war.

The move has triggered a diplomatic fallout between Trump and Zelenskyy, and angered European partners and many US officials who say it rewards Moscow. Zelenskyy said waiving sanctions will hurt Ukraine. Key numbers: Trump announced plans on October 9 for Russia to supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel to US and global markets.