Ukraine conflict persists after Trump sanctions waiver
The war has entered its fifth year following a September legislative win and an October executive reversal by the President.
By Miguel Navarro ·
Fighting in Ukraine has continued for more than four and a half years, defying President Donald Trump’s repeated campaign pledges to end the war quickly. The conflict remains active despite diplomatic meetings between the U.S. and European leaders.
Trump campaigned on the promise to settle the war before taking office. At a July 7, 2023, rally in Council Bluffs, Iowa, he stated, “Before I even arrive at the Oval Office shortly after I win the presidency, I will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled.” He added, “The side, I want people to stop dying. That’s the side I’m on.”
Since taking office, Trump has hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on two occasions. He also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin once in Anchorage, Alaska, in August 2025. After that summit, Trump described the meeting as very productive, noting that they agreed on many points but had not reached a final deal.
Legislative action recently shifted the economic pressure on Moscow. On September 18, Trump signed the bipartisan Lindsey Graham Act, named for the late South Carolina senator. The law imposed new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia.
Three weeks later, on October 16, Trump signed an executive order waiving those specific sanctions. The move reversed the financial penalties enacted less than a month prior.
The war has now lasted longer than the four-and-a-half-year mark. No formal peace agreement has been signed between the belligerents since the August 2025 meeting in Alaska.
Source: WSMV-TV
