Zelenskyy Calls for Support for New US Sanctions on Russia as Trump Puts Package on Hold

KYIV, Oct 17: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday urged international supporters to back proposed US sanctions against Russia after President Donald Trump signed an executive order putting a sweeping package of economic restrictions on hold.
The decision has raised concerns in Kyiv over the future of Washington’s pressure campaign against Moscow, particularly as Ukraine prepares for another winter amid intensifying Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy described the suspension of the sanctions package as unfortunate but stopped short of directly criticising Trump, despite growing differences between the two countries in recent days.
In a statement, the Ukrainian president said the decision effectively sidelined the Lindsey Graham Act, which was intended to impose stronger economic pressure on Russia to bring the war to an end.
He stressed that the proposed legislation could still play an important role in efforts to end the conflict, provided it was implemented effectively. Zelenskyy also called on supporters to raise their voices in favour of the measures, saying public backing remained significant.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy accused Russian forces of launching a large-scale assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, striking more than 15 sites across the country on Saturday.
He warned that the intensity and frequency of attacks on the energy sector were having serious consequences for the country as it approached the colder months.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russian forces had launched four cruise missiles and 332 attack drones overnight. Ukrainian air defences intercepted or neutralised all four missiles and 289 drones, according to the military.
Russian attacks on Ukraine’s electricity network have repeatedly intensified before winter, threatening power supplies, heating and access to running water for civilians. Kyiv has accused Moscow of attempting to weaken public morale by damaging critical infrastructure and disrupting essential services.
Ukrainian officials have also warned that Russia is accumulating ballistic missiles that could be used in further strikes in the coming months.
With temperatures expected to fall, protecting power facilities and maintaining essential services have become major priorities for the Ukrainian government. The suspension of the proposed US sanctions has added another layer of uncertainty over the level of economic pressure Washington may be willing to sustain against Moscow.
Zelenskyy’s appeal underscores Kyiv’s continued efforts to secure international support as the war continues and the country faces mounting military and humanitarian challenges.