Trump puts new Russia sanctions on hold amid growing backlash

Well, President Donald Trump is facing growing backlash from both sides of the aisle after putting new sanctions against Russia on hold. Critics warn his decision could give Vladimir Putin the upper hand. Caroline Shively joins us now live from Washington, D.C. with the very latest. Good morning, Caroline. Good morning to you, Hannah. 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 is 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. This is a carrot to try to end a war. It's not an economic lifeline for Russia. Meanwhile, tensions between Washington and Kiev are escalating. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warning the United States against siding with Moscow. If the United States will take, officially will take the side of Russia, of course, if these two countries will be together, of course, of course, we will not prevail. 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. Hannah. All right, Caroline Chively live for us in D.C. this morning. Thank you. 4.33 this morning and turning back now to some local news happening today. The man accused of plotting a terror attack at the Mall of America is set to appear in federal court today. Authorities say 18-year-old Sheikh Dunmuhammed had been on their radar since swearing allegiance to ISIS. He was arrested in Richfield this month after allegedly purchasing a rifle from an undercover FBI agent. He is in the Sherbourne County Jail. Authorities say the American-born man planned to kill people who were at the Mall of America. at an event coming up here on Saturday. Today's court hearing is scheduled for 10 o'clock this morning.