Trump defends pausing Russian sanctions, says peace deal is close — and savages Zelensky for attacking diesel refineries

By New York Post (World News) | Created at 2026-10-18 21:50:30 | Updated at 2026-10-18 22:46:36 59 minutes ago

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President Trump defended his decision to pause sanctions against Russia as a means to secure a permanent peace deal and bring fuel price relief for the US — while slamming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ongoing strikes on Moscow’s oil refineries.

Following backlash over his executive order to halt sanctions against Moscow, Trump claimed that giving Russian President Vladimir Putin a carrot would lead him back to the negotiating table.

“My decision on Russia is a very simple one. I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday. Getty Images

Trump also tore into Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he “doesn’t want to end this war, and probably never did.” Getty Images

A burning oil terminal after Ukraine’s air attack in Saint Petersburg, Russia on Oct. 18, 2026. AFP via Getty Images

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits a command post for the joint force grouping on Oct. 16, 2026. RUSSIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS OFFICE/AFP via Getty Images

“Great progress is being made, and that includes current hostage negotiations!” he added without specifying what captives he was referring to.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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