Zelensky Calls Trump's Graham Act Inaction a 'Sanctions Blackout' on Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sharply criticised US President Donald Trump's decision not to enforce sanctions against Russia under the so-called Graham Act, calling it a sanctions blackout. The statement came in the wake of one of Russia's largest strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Energy Infrastructure Under Attack

Zelensky noted that on the eve of his statement, Russian forces attacked more than 15 important electricity generation and transmission facilities across multiple regions of Ukraine. He emphasised the importance of the United States and the entire American public understanding the real picture: sanctions must continue to pressure Russia while it wages war against Ukraine.

Graham Act Still Has Potential, Zelensky Says

Despite condemning the inaction, Zelensky argued that the Graham Act still has the potential to exert meaningful pressure on Russia, provided it is applied correctly. He urged Washington to reconsider the approach to enforcement. The Graham Act was designed to impose severe economic measures on Russia, but the Trump administration announced it would not activate key provisions of the legislation, drawing strong criticism from Ukraine and its European allies.