Trump waives most new Russia sanctions Congress handed him as Republican allies warn his leverage over Putin is slipping

President Donald Trump has also eased restrictions on Russian diesel exports, part of a week-long retreat from penalties enacted only last month. AEI senior fellow Hal Brands called it 'probably the biggest effort' yet to unwind the sanctions regime in place since 2022. Trump argues that imposing the penalties could drive Moscow away from peace talks. Brands warned the threat 'may lose some credibility'.

Republican lawmakers have already broken with Trump over the diesel deal with Russia.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff has called Vladimir Putin 'a humanitarian'.

Witkoff's praise followed Putin's release of an American who had been held for four years.