Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the U.S. formally siding with Russia’s Vladimir Putin would be a “historic mistake.” All of this comes as the midterms are just over two weeks away and a new NBC News poll shows 71 percent of Americans say the U.S.
Page A216From§Eachthe evening edition — 19 October 2026
THE WAIVER
Treasury insists Russia got no sanctions relief, just a waiver pausing the sanctions.
As it ran on the front
I had two pages open on the counter this morning, not comparing them on purpose, just squaring the corners the way you do, and that's when I saw it — the same word sitting in two different stories about two different things. I circled it once before I noticed I'd need to circle it twice.
The first page is Treasury Secretary Bessent, speaking Sunday, saying flatly that the president gave Russia no sanctions relief. The second is the New York Post's own description, same Sunday, of what he was defending — a pause meant to bring fuel price relief for the US. That's the paper's word, not his. Same word. Different owner.…
…(cont) I don't know what to do with a thing like that except write down how we got here.
On the 9th, the Guardian reported a deal to buy Russian diesel, and that Zelensky was furious about it. By the 10th the president was telling reporters Zelensky could have settled the war "many times" and chosen not to. On the 11th he announced an energy ceasefire; Zelensky, that same day, criticized the diesel arrangement on American television. By the 12th, members of Congress from both parties were calling the deal possibly illegal. By the 13th Zelensky was criticizing him again, and the president's own allies had started lining up behind Zelensky instead. On the 15th he put a sweeping package of sanctions and tariffs on Russian energy revenues on hold — his people called it the national interest.
That's the six days it took to get to the two pages on my counter. Sunday, the Daily Caller has Zelensky calling the diesel deal "very dangerous." Sunday also, NBC has him saying a formal American tilt toward Putin would be a "historic mistake" — this with the midterms fourteen days out and a new poll putting seven in ten Americans on the wrong track, sourest of all on gas prices. Sunday, Bessent goes on Meet the Press and says plainly that nothing of the kind took place, despite a sanctions law the president signed last month that's due to take effect any day now. Sunday, he writes on Truth Social that waiving those sanctions keeps Moscow at the table. Sunday afternoon, specifically, he tells reporters Zelensky doesn't want to end this war. And today, Monday, in Uzbekistan, the Secretary of State tells reporters there's a real risk this war spreads into another country, and that both sides ought to be focused on ending it.
I drive the same toll plaza twice a week, the one with the E-ZPass lane and the cash lane side by side. The transponder in the glovebox gets forty cents knocked off before I've even slowed the lousy car down — no form, no call, it just happens, because somebody decided that lane gets it. The cash lane pays the sticker price. What do you call the lane that already knows it's getting the break, and what do you call the one that finds out at the window?
I was going to leave it there. But excuse me — before you go — I found the page I'd set aside earlier. It's France 24, the 15th, describing plainly what the president's order did: put a sweeping package of sanctions on Russian energy revenues on hold. Not a quote from him. Just a description of the thing itself. Here's the Treasury Secretary, Sunday, on the record, saying none of it happened. Here's the wire service, three days before that, on the record, describing a law taken off hold the night before it was due to start. Same notebook, different pages, and I still can't get them to sit together. I'll leave both open on the counter, side by side, to the same question: a law taken off hold, the night before it starts — what would you call that, if not relief?
“They waived the sanctions law the night before it ever had to work, then put the Treasury Secretary on television to swear there was no break in it at all. Call the diesel deal whatever keeps the price down at the pump — the drones still hit Ukraine's grid, Zelensky's still calling it dangerous, and the man getting blamed for the war not ending is the one living under the drones.”
“Look, "pause" and "relief" are two completely different legal categories, the law hasn't technically — okay, it's the same law, same effect, but the intent was fuel prices, not favors to Moscow. And if Zelensky would stop hitting the refineries everybody benefits, including him, so really he's — did I just say the man getting bombed should hold off? That's not what I meant, let me circle back.”
Earlier in this story
- Trump waives his own Russia sanctions the night before they take effect, and hours later more than 320 drones hit Ukraine's grid. By The Wrecking Crew · the evening edition, 18 October 2026
The receipts
Trump promised 53 separate times he would settle the Ukraine war, including "within 24 hours" - CNN count CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
U.S. Floats Lifeline to Russia: Allowing More Gas Sales to EuropeThe Trump administration is pitching the idea as part of a peace deal with Ukraine, but Europe is wary and critics say Russia would be strengthened.
Trump promised to settle the Ukraine war with Putin within 24 hours - on 53 separate occasions CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump says Russia will release millions of tons of diesel to help with costsRussian President Vladimir Putin agreed to release 300,000 tons of diesel immediately and millions more over the coming months.
The sanctions were part of a measure that was named after Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who died in July.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that waived the sweeping Russian sanctions and tariffs enacted by the bill championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Trump signed the Lindsey O.
President Donald Trump is facing growing bipartisan backlash following his announcement of a deal to temporarily lift U.S. sanctions on Russian diesel fuel. The move, aimed at lowering fuel prices in the United States ahead of the midterm elections, has members of Congress from both parties saying the deal may be illegal.
Trump promised he'd settle the Ukraine war within 24 hours of talking to Putin and Zelenskyy - he's said some version of that 53 separate times CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump says Ukraine needs a new leader after diesel deal with RussiaUS president suggests Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has not done enough to end war Donald Trump has said Ukraine needs “a new leader”, a day after making a deal with Vladimir Putin to buy large quantities of Russian diesel. The US president suggested Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not done enough to end the war with Russia and…
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky has said that US President Donald Trump's decision to waive Russian sanctions only "rewards" Vladimir Putin.
A bipartisan group of seven lawmakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee condemned President Trump’s recent deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which would lift sanctions on Russia and permit the flow of its oil into the global economy. “Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars…
I'll meet with Putin. I'll meet with Zelensky... and within 24 hours, that war will be settled. CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Zelensky unleashes on Trump over Russia diesel dealWelcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security The Big Story Zelensky unleashes on Trump over Russia diesel deal Kyiv’s allies, including those in President Trump’s circle, are rallying around Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, pushing back against Trump’s diesel deal…
Trump promised he'd settle the Ukraine war within 24 hours of meeting Putin and Zelensky — 53 times, CNN counted CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump waives tariffs on largest buyers of Russian oilPresident Trump prevented some new sanctions on Russia and hefty tariffs on large-scale buyers of Russian oil from taking effect late Friday, as he seeks to ease prices by tapping Russian energy.
Senator Darline Graham, appointed to fill the Senate seat of her late brother, Lindsey, gently disagreed with the president’s decision to exempt Russia from the sanctions legislation.
Trump promised to settle the war within 24 hours - on 53 separate occasions, CNN counted CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
'Time for Ukraine to get new president,' says Trump after Zelensky condemns diesel dealUkraine's leader had said the deal with Russia to release diesel into the US would help Moscow fund the war.
Trump once vowed the Russia-Ukraine war would be settled within 24 hours of talks with Putin and Zelensky CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump defends waiving Russia sanctions, says it keeps Moscow at negotiating tablePresident Trump defended his decision to waive Russian sanctions on Sunday, writing in a Truth Social post that it keeps Moscow at the negotiating table amid backlash from both sides of the aisle over the decision. “My decision on Russia is a very simple one. I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the...
"I'll meet with Putin. I'll meet with Zelensky... And within 24 hours, that war will be settled" - Trump, CNN town hall, 10 May 2023. CNN counted 53 separate occasions he promised it CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Zelensky bashes Trump over diesel deal with RussiaUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky bashed President Donald Trump’s deal with Russia to supply millions of tons of diesel fuel to global markets, giving arguably his most direct and biting criticism of Trump so far. Trump announced the deal on Friday in a post on Truth Social after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin…
"I'll meet with Putin. I'll meet with Zelensky... And within 24 hours, that war will be settled" - Trump promised this 53 separate times CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Rubio warns there’s ‘real risk’ Russia-Ukraine war could spread into another country as he calls for end to conflictUkraine and Russia should be focused on ending the war between them, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on his visit to Uzbekistan on Monday.
Trump promised he'd settle the Ukraine war within 24 hours of meeting Putin and Zelensky — 53 times, CNN counted CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump waives several Russia sanctions as row with Zelensky intensifiesThe US president temporarily ends many restrictions on Moscow recently passed by Congress over "national security" concerns.
President Trump on Saturday pushed back on criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel amid the Russia-Ukraine war. The president told reporters outside the White House that Zelensky “could have settled this war many times,” but “chose not to.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday said the U.S.-Russia diesel deal is a "birthday gift" to allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to "kill us, kill our children." When asked by ABC's Jonathan Karl on "This Week" about his remark that the deal helps Putin as a "gift," Zelensky explained that it "gives Putin money and...
US president says agreement needed to lower fuel prices, but move likely to create fresh crisis with Ukraine and Nato allies Donald Trump is on a fresh collision course with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies after his stunning agreement to buy Russian diesel upended years of US and western pressure on the Kremlin to end its war…
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) slammed President Trump’s deal with Russia for diesel Sunday amid the energy struggles the U.S. is experiencing.
Zelensky reported that Russia targeted the energy sector with over 320 drones, missiles, and munitions.
Trump promised he'd settle the Ukraine war within 24 hours of meeting Putin and Zelensky — 53 times, CNN counted CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump pauses new Russia sanctions passed by Congress amid deepening row with UkrainePresident signed the legislation championed by late senator Lindsey Graham last month but has waived the restrictions as they were due to come into effect Donald Trump has put on hold a sweeping new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, telling Congress the pause on the legislation passed by both chambers was in the national…
Trump has promised to end the war within 24 hours on 53 separate occasions, CNN counted CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump defends pausing Russian sanctions, says peace deal is close — and savages Zelensky for attacking diesel refineriesPresident 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…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky decried President Trump’s late-night decision to waive sanctions and tariffs against Russia days before they were set to take effect under a new law. “At a time when the Russians have carried out such a massive attack on our energy sector, a decision was unfortunately made in America to completely…
Earlier this month, a Russian missile slammed into a housing complex in Pryluky, a Ukrainian city of no strategic value, far from the eastern front lines. Thirty apartments were destroyed. Twenty-two people were killed.
I'll meet with Putin. I'll meet with Zelensky... And within 24 hours, that war will be settled - Trump, 10 May 2023, one of 53 times he's made this promise CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump says Zelensky ‘doesn’t want to end this war’ and defends Russia strategyPresident Donald Trump said on Sunday afternoon he believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “doesn’t want to end” the Russia-Ukraine war as tensions between the two world leaders continue to escalate. “My decision on Russia is a simple one,”
Trump promised to settle the war within 24 hours - CNN counted 53 separate occasions he made that promise CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Rebuking Ukraine Over Oil Strikes, Trump Says It Should ‘Get a New President’Hours after President Trump said the United States would buy Russian diesel, the Kremlin said there would be no immediate resumption of discussions to end the war.
Trump said he'd settle the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of meeting Putin and Zelensky — CNN counted 53 such promises. CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
GOP lawmakers bash Trump's decision to waive Russia sanctions: 'Beyond irresponsible'Several GOP lawmakers criticized President Trump’s move to exempt Russia from the sanctions bill he signed law last month, with Sen. Thom Tillis (R- N.C.) calling the move "beyond irresponsible." Trump signed an executive order Friday evening to waive sanctions against Russia in a legislative package that was meant to put pressure on the…
President Trump on Sunday claimed that Russia and Ukraine reached an energy ceasefire amid the two countries' yearslong war. The announcement came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared on ABC's "This Week" earlier in the morning, where he criticized a U.S. deal to lift sanctions on Russian diesel, which sparked a war of…
Trump promised he'd meet Putin and Zelensky and settle the war within 24 hours — 53 separate times, CNN counted CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump and Putin sign diesel deal, angering Ukraine and its alliesThe US president announced Friday that Russia has committed to supplying nearly 5 million tons of diesel fuel to the United States and global markets 'within a short period of time.' The deal has sparked outrage across Europe.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday said President Trump did not provide Russia with sanctions relief after striking a deal that allows Russia to supply the U.S. and global marketplace with diesel, despite signing a bill imposing sanctions — set to take effect soon — into law last month. NBC News's "Meet the Press" host...
"I'll meet with Putin. I'll meet with Zelensky... And within 24 hours, that war will be settled" - Trump, CNN town hall, 10 May 2023. CNN counted 53 separate occasions he promised it. CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
War in Ukraine: Europe stands united behind Kyiv but must revisit how to finance its supportInvited to the European leaders' summit in Brussels on Friday, Volodymyr Zelensky, weakened by what he called the 'betrayal' of Donald Trump, asked his allies for an additional €70 billion in aid for the year 2027.
The Trump administration is ignoring the will of Congress and waiving new Russia sanctions amid fears that high energy prices will cost Republicans in next month’s elections.
"I'll meet with Putin. I'll meet with Zelensky... And within 24 hours, that war will be settled" - Trump, CNN town hall, 10 May 2023. CNN counted 53 separate occasions he promised it. CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump says Russia will export diesel, lifts sanctions{beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story Trump says Russia will export diesel, lifts sanctions Russia will supply the U.S. and global market with diesel, President Trump announced Friday, responding to sky-rocketing prices exacerbated by both the Russia-Ukraine and U.S.-Iran wars. © Andrew Caballero-Reynolds, AFP…
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) on Saturday issued rare approval of President Donald Trump, commending the White House for lifting sanctions on Russia. The White House waived the sanctions on Friday, after the late Sen.
President Donald Trump on Sunday announced an immediate “energy ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine, a day after ripping Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for targeting Russian energy infrastructure during the war and calling for a new Ukrainian leader. “Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia…
Trump promised to settle the war within 24 hours - on 53 separate occasions, CNN counted CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump rips into Volodymyr Zelensky — insisting it’s time for Ukraine to ‘get a new president’President Trump ripped into Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday telling reporters outside the White House that it's time for Ukraine to “get a new president.”
US President Donald Trump on Friday put a sweeping package of sanctions and tariffs targeting Russian energy revenues on hold, saying the waiver was in the country's national interest. The relationship between Washington and Kyiv has been fraying since Trump struck a deal with Moscow to ease sanctions in exchange for Russia flooding the…
Trump promised he'd settle the Ukraine war within 24 hours of meeting Putin and Zelensky — 53 times, CNN counted CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump doubles down after waiving new Russia sanctions, calling it a ‘very good decision’President Donald Trump waived sweeping new sanctions against Russia passed by Congress, arguing in an executive order Friday that the move “is in the national interests of the United States.”
Ukraine's president sharply criticised the move, calling it an "investment in war that must be ended, not prolonged".
Trump promised to settle the war within 24 hours - on 53 separate occasions, CNN counted CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump says Ukraine needs ‘a new leader who can make a deal’President Donald Trump on Saturday called for new leadership in Ukraine, marking a dramatic shift in the United States’s relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump has long pushed Russia and Ukraine to make a deal ending the war between the countries, which has now stretched over four-and-a-half years and appeared to…
Trump promised 53 times he'd end the war within 24 hours CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump says Ukraine needs new president, blames Zelenskyy for diesel pricesPresident Trump's criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy comes after Russian strikes killed at least 20 people, including three children, in Ukraine.
Trump has promised to end the war within 24 hours on 53 separate occasions, CNN counted CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Zelenskyy Warns Trump’s Diesel Deal With Russia Is ‘Very Dangerous’‘This diesel deal is very dangerous.’
Ukrainian leader says he was surprised by Trump’s ‘energy ceasefire’ announcement, posted as Russian drones hit Kyiv Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to respond to Russia’s continuing attacks on the Ukrainian power grid as European leaders rally around Kyiv amid a feud with Donald Trump over Ukraine’s strikes on oil refineries. Speaking to…
"I'll meet with Putin. I'll meet with Zelensky... And within 24 hours, that war will be settled" - Trump, CNN town hall, 10 May 2023. CNN counted 53 separate occasions he promised it. CNN fact check, 25 April 2025 (all 53 instances)
Trump calls for Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy after clash over Russia diesel deal: 'Get a new president'President Donald Trump demanded Volodymyr Zelenskyy stop striking Russian oil refineries, warning the attacks worsen global diesel and fuel supplies.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) accused President Trump on Saturday of giving Russian President Vladimir Putin “the best birthday gift” after he waived new sanctions on Russia days before they were set to take effect. “By giving the Russian economy life support Trump’s deal with the devil keeps getting dirtier,”
· Trump signs Russia sanctions bill named after Lindsey Graham from the morgue, 19 Sep 2026
· Europe blasts Russian finance minister's attendance at Asheville G20 from the morgue, 1 Sep 2026
· Trump: Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry as prices soar from the morgue, 21 Sep 2026
· Trump says Ukraine and Russia have agreed to energy target ceasefire from the morgue, 14 Sep 2026
· Trump calls on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian diesel fuel from the morgue, 14 Sep 2026
· Trump blames Ukraine for diesel fuel price spike, urges Zelensky to stop hitting Russian refineries from the morgue, 13 Sep 2026
· Trump calls out Zelensky over rising diesel prices from the morgue, 15 Sep 2026
· Ukraine persists with Russian oil refinery strikes, defying Trump on fuel price warnings from the morgue, 1 Oct 2026
· Britain in talks with European allies over release of emergency diesel stockpiles amid Trump pressure from the morgue, 1 Oct 2026
· Russia’s Lavrov blasts US, Western allies as “warmongers’ in fiery UN tirade from the morgue, 26 Sep 2026
· Russia and China unite against US over Iran and Cuba in UN speeches from the morgue, 26 Sep 2026
· U.S. military lays groundwork for potential action around Cuba from the morgue, 26 Sep 2026
· The United Nations Security Council has resoundingly rejected a United States bid to extend a global arms embargo on Iran. In a Security Council vote, United States only got support from the Dominican from the morgue, 14 Aug 2020
· U.S. Threatens New Economic War on Iran by Targeting China & Tehran's Other Top Trading Partners from the morgue, 25 Aug 2026
· In Defiant UN Speech, Iranian President Says US and Israel Are the Real Terrorists from the morgue, 23 Sep 2026
· Trump slams reporting on removal of his endorsements from GOP candidate's website from the morgue, 27 Sep 2026
· Donalds removes several Trump mentions from campaign website from the morgue, 22 Sep 2026
· GOP hopeful removes ‘Pro-Trump’ mention from campaign slogan in deep-red seat from the morgue, 23 Sep 2026
· Where Trump’s 2026 endorsement record stands after primary season from the morgue, 9 Sep 2026
· U.N. experts say U.S. may have committed war crimes with 2 Iran strikes from the morgue, 22 Sep 2026
· Trump Says 'Big Decision' Coming on Whether to 'Annihilate' Iran from the morgue, 18 Sep 2026
· Pentagon No. 3 frustrates senators in closed-door briefing on Iran war, Trump defense strategy from the morgue, 17 Sep 2026
· Senate Democrats, minus Fetterman, urge Hegseth to provide receipt for Iran war costs from the morgue, 17 Sep 2026
· Hegseth on "devastation" to Iran's capabilities from the morgue, 10 Sep 2026
· Trump admits Iran war will not end before midterms from the morgue, 9 Sep 2026
· Iran War Trump Said Would Be Quick Has Now Lasted 6 Months With 'No End In Sight' from the morgue, 28 Aug 2026
· CBO Finds Trump's Iran War Has Already Cost Nearly $40 Billion—And That's a 'Conservative' Estimate from the morgue, 15 Sep 2026
· Tillis supports Hegseth impeachment resolution: 'He needs to go' from the morgue, 18 Sep 2026
· Massie Files Impeachment Articles Against Hegseth for Illegal Iran War, Boat Murders from the morgue, 15 Sep 2026
· Massie launches effort to impeach Hegseth from the morgue, 15 Sep 2026
· Tillis urges Trump to fire Hegseth over 'inept management' of military from the morgue, 2 Sep 2026
· Tillis renews calls for Hegseth’s firing after Driscoll’s departure: ‘I have never witnessed more inept management’ from the morgue, 2 Sep 2026
· Farmer who voted for Trump says farmers are "all just in survival mode" from the morgue, 18 Sep 2026
· Farmer who voted for Trump says "I can't stay in business" amid rising costs from the morgue, 18 Sep 2026
· Massie says he’s convinced enough Republicans to pass Epstein Files II discharge petition from the morgue, 18 Sep 2026
· Massie names Epstein 'coconspirators,' discusses new Epstein files legislation from the morgue, 1 Sep 2026
· Read Thomas Massie’s eight impeachment charges against Pete Hegseth from the morgue, 15 Sep 2026
· Fake Republican midterm convention site still redirects to Epstein files from the morgue, 7 Sep 2026
· Trump says he has a ‘big decision’ coming up on Iran: ‘Do I want to go in and annihilate them’ from the morgue, 17 Sep 2026
· Fox News Poll: 71% think Trump administration lacks plan to end Iran war from the morgue, 17 Sep 2026
· Iran recently downed at least 2 American drones, officials say from the morgue, 17 Sep 2026
· Big Oil Stocks Surged Due to Iran War—and New Filings Show How President Trump Cashed In from the morgue, 27 Aug 2026
· Live updates: Energy secretary downplays rising gas prices as US, Iran trade strikes from the morgue, 6 Sep 2026
· U.S. Strike on Iranian School May Have Been War Crime, U.N. Report Says from the morgue, 17 Sep 2026
This page is a back-issue: the story as it ran, receipts as they were. The current edition is at the front. The byline is a pen name for a column drafted by a machine and checked by the editor: how this is made.