Trump defends pausing Russia sanctions despite critics

President Trump is facing growing backlash from both sides of the aisle after putting new sanctions against Russia on hold. And critics warn that his decision could give Vladimir Putin the upper hand. Caroline Chiveley has the latest from Washington. Good morning, Caroline. Good morning to you, Desiree. The president says he's making progress toward ending the war in Ukraine, but his latest move is raising questions about how much pressure he's willing to put on Vladimir Putin. Russia striking 10 Ukrainian energy facilities overnight after President Trump defends his decision to ease pressure on Moscow over the weekend. The president waving sweeping new sanctions against Russia just weeks after signing the bipartisan legislation into law. The move drawing sharp criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike. I think it was a mistake. The sanctions were designed to pressure Russia to end its war in Ukraine. But the White House insists easing restrictions could help bring Putin to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, tensions between Washington and Kyiv are escalating. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warning the United States against siding with Moscow. But the president is pushing back, accusing Zelensky of standing in the way of peace. Writing on Truth Social last night, he doesn't want to end this war and probably never did. I want this war to end. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the administration wants 60 days to study the economic impact of the sanctions. Meanwhile, lawmakers are pushing for answers. But with Congress out until after election day, any effort to reverse the president's decision could have to wait. Desiree? Yeah, the president has been out on the campaign trail, so certainly very busy time for him ahead of the midterms. Caroline, we appreciate your report there for us in Washington. You bet. Thank you.