Mr. Trump offered no explanation beyond a statement that “the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States.” The opposite is true, and Mr. Trump is now Mr. Putin’s best friend in the world, after perhaps China’s Xi Jinping. Mr. Putin responded Friday night to Mr. Trump’s latest gift with one of the largest attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in the four-and-a-half-year war. The assault included strikes on more than 15 power generation and transmission facilities.

 

To Russia With Love, Signed Donald

By

The WSJ Editorial Board

Updated Oct. 18, 2026 5:16 pm ET