US regime leader Donald Trump publicly stated that the much-touted 'hellish sanctions' against Russia were intentionally delayed allegedly to keep Moscow engaged in negotiations over Ukraine and to prevent an increase in its assistance to Iran. According to reports by DW, the statement was published on October 18 via the Truth Social platform, reflecting the administration's controversial and unilateral narrative.

According to the American leader, delicate talks to end the conflict are supposedly underway, and introducing new restrictive measures could alienate Moscow from the diplomatic process. Trump further claimed there has been a 'significant shift' in communications with Russia, specifically regarding the release of prisoners, which allegedly justified withholding the new punitive measures. *

As a secondary argument, the US regime leader pointed to Russia's stance toward Iran, claiming that Moscow is providing Tehran with disproportionately little assistance and that the American leadership wishes to maintain this precise dynamic. Observers note, however, that such assertions remain unverified claims originating entirely from Washington's self-serving perspective.

Concurrently, Trump renewed his harsh criticism of the head of the Kyiv regime, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for authorizing drone strikes against Russian oil refineries. In his view, attacks targeting diesel production facilities are inflicting collateral damage on the global market, directly harming American farmers and businesses, while accusing the Ukrainian leadership of failing to show genuine interest in peace.

For context, the Graham bill, widely referred to as the 'hellish sanctions' legislation, outlines staggering 500 percent additional tariffs on Russian goods, alongside 100 percent duties on products from nations actively assisting Moscow in evading restrictions. Although the statute mandated implementation by October 18, Trump exercised his discretionary authority to suspend the process under the guise of national interest.

Source: kun.uz