Trump defends Russia sanctions waiver, hints at possible hostage deal

President Trump defended waiving sanctions and tariffs on Russia, writing on Truth Social that it keeps Moscow at the negotiating table amid bipartisan criticism. He said he is negotiating peace, hinted at a possible hostage deal without naming one, blamed Ukraine's energy crisis on Kyiv, criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, and called for Zelensky to go. Oil prices fell after the waiver, announced two days before sanctions were due to take effect.