Trump eases Russia sanctions while pursuing Ukraine peace negotiations

President Trump said on Sunday that he is reducing sanctions against Russia to help peace talks with Ukraine move forward. He had signed the sanctions only weeks ago, but reversed them on Friday. Trump said he is making "great progress" in the negotiations and does not want to push Russia away from the talks. He also said that hostage negotiations are part of the peace process, though he gave no details about which hostages. The US has also relaxed limits on Russian diesel exports. Trump said this is meant to affect global fuel prices, not just US supply. Some Republicans in Congress have spoken out against these decisions. Trump has chosen economic rewards over pressure as his main tool to bring Russia to the table.