Trump’s Oil Move Sparks Ukraine Protest

Zelensky criticises the United States for easing sanctions on Russian oil, arguing it gives Moscow extra money to fund its war in Ukraine. The U. S. President granted a 30‑day waiver that lets nations buy Russian oil stuck at sea, hoping to calm rising fuel prices worldwide. Ukraine’s leader says the decision could bring as much as $10 billion to Russia, strengthening its military campaign. During a press conference in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelensky highlighted the danger of loosening economic pressure on Moscow. He pointed out that the U. S. has already released a large amount of oil from its strategic reserve to curb price spikes, but the waiver still allows more Russian barrels to enter markets.The European Council warned that lifting sanctions weakens the push for peace, noting that higher Russian revenues help sustain the war effort. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz also opposed the U. S. move, questioning its motives and stressing that sanctions remain essential to limit Russia’s war‑financing. Meanwhile, Russian forces continued attacks across Ukraine, killing three people and injuring 27 in the past day. The conflict’s violence remains high, with Russian missile and drone strikes targeting civilian areas. Ukraine insists that any diplomatic breakthrough must come from sustained international pressure, not relaxed sanctions.