Putin Envoy Calls Trump Graham Act Freeze Historic Moment for US-Russia Ties

Kirill Dmitriev, a senior Russian official representing Vladimir Putin diplomatic interests, described US President Donald Trump decision to pause the Graham Act sanctions against Russia as a historic moment, reacting swiftly on social media platform X.

Dmitriev Claims

Dmitriev argued that the Graham Act would have effectively completely halted all economic cooperation between Russia and the United States, causing serious harm first and foremost to the US economy and global markets. He described the suspension as a green light for developing economic relations between the two countries.

Opposing Reactions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sharply criticized the decision, calling it a sanctions blackout. He noted that Russian forces had struck more than 15 major Ukrainian energy generation and transmission facilities the previous day. US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, who co-authored the legislation, condemned Trump move. Blumenthal called it confirmation that Trump stands on the side of a bloodthirsty thug.

Context

The Graham Act was designed to impose sweeping secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian energy, oil, or weapons. Its suspension marks a significant shift in US Russia policy and has drawn widespread criticism from Ukraine allies in Congress and Europe.