U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his decision to delay sanctions on Russia, asserting that preserving diplomatic channels is essential for advancing peace talks with Moscow. In recent remarks, Trump claimed negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are making “great progress,” including in hostage releases. He emphasized that his administration prioritizes securing a settlement over actions that could derail ongoing diplomacy.

The president cited previous successes such as negotiating the release of Americans detained in Russia and facilitating prisoner exchanges between Kyiv and Moscow—including an agreement last month for 1,000 prisoners on each side. Trump also highlighted his recent waiver of sweeping sanctions previously championed by former U.S. lawmaker Lindsey Graham, dubbed “the sanctions from hell,” and eased restrictions on Russian diesel exports to stabilize global fuel markets.

Critically, Trump directly accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of resisting peace efforts despite significant Western financial support and for escalating attacks on Russian refineries that disrupt international energy infrastructure. The president characterized Zelensky’s stance as one of refusal to end the conflict, stating the Ukrainian leader “doesn’t want to end this war, and probably never did.”

Moscow has acknowledged Washington’s mediation role, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressing appreciation for U.S. diplomatic efforts. However, Peskov noted a final settlement remains impossible without Kiev sending representatives willing to assume responsibility for peace.