An executive order waiving new Russia-related US sanctions and tariffs on 16 October added to tensions between Washington and Kyiv, Reuters reported the next day. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticised the decision, arguing that it reduced pressure on Russia.
The dispute followed President Donald Trump’s complaints about Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and his announcement of a Russian diesel arrangement. Trump said he would continue dealing with both Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in pursuit of an end to the war.
Reuters also reported concerns about possible restrictions on US intelligence and other support. Those risks and threats should be distinguished from assistance that had actually been suspended; Ukrainian officials still wanted dialogue with US representatives.