Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inNamita SinghSaturday 17 October 2026 08:30 BSTTrump says Zelensky ‘not a good guy’ as Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian oil refineriesPresident Donald Trump has signed an executive order pausing a new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, telling Congress the delay is in the national interest.The decision comes just two days before the implementation deadline for the legislation, which was designed to curb financial resources fuelling the war against Ukraine.The pause follows President Trump's recent announcement that the US had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia to help lower global energy prices.An AP-NORC poll indicates President Trump's approval ratings have dropped to near-historic lows, with voters blaming him for higher prices and his handling of the Iran war.The political shift puts additional pressure on Republicans as they seek to retain control of both chambers of Congress in the 3 November midterm elections.In fullUkraine-Russia war latest: Trump orders last-minute stay on Russian sanctions and refuses to blame Putin for warMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in