Delegates reportedly left an IMF meeting after a Russian official spoke, highlighting tensions over Russia’s Ukraine invasion. The Russian attacks killed at least eight and injured 60, targeting shopping centers and cutting power to over a million Ukrainians. The strikes hit Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, Volyn, and Rivne as Moscow continues its campaign against Ukraine’s power grid.
President Trump signed an executive order to delay a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s economy, citing national interest. The measure, named after Senator Lindsey Graham, aimed to restrict financial resources supporting the war in Ukraine. The pause comes amid a deepening rift with Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, following Trump’s agreement to a diesel deal with Russia. The decision was made just days before the sanctions were set to take effect.
The sanctions, passed by Congress, were intended to curb financial flows to Russia. Trump’s move follows a week of statements suggesting the US had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia. The pause in sanctions reflects a growing divide between US policy and its allies in Europe and Ukraine. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical tensions shaping international relations.
