On Thursday, President Trump confirmed the extension of the national emergency concerning Ukraine, which has been in place since Russia’s invasion. Declaring a national emergency gives the president the authority to use special powers outlined in federal laws to address such crises.
Trump’s decision continues the measures that President Obama initiated in 2014 through an executive order, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. President Biden had also renewed the state of emergency in 2024.
Obama’s 2014 order enabled sanctions against those responsible for violating Ukraine’s sovereignty or misappropriating its assets, as part of a global condemnation of Russia’s actions.
Trump’s continuation of this order comes amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began in 2022 with Russia’s full-scale invasion. Since assuming office, Trump has shifted U.S. policy on the conflict, engaging in direct talks with Russia and expressing skepticism about Ukraine’s role, including labeling its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, as a dictator. The federal notice on Thursday confirmed Trump’s decision to extend Obama’s 2014 order and Biden’s 2022 order, further expanding sanctions related to Russia’s occupation of Crimea.
The White House emphasized that Russia’s actions in Ukraine remain a significant threat to U.S. national security. Trump has stated that while lifting sanctions against Russia is not immediately on the table, they could be reconsidered depending on Russia’s actions. He also expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin would honor any agreement made to end the conflict.
In a recent statement, Trump and Zelensky indicated they could sign a significant agreement, with the outcome dependent on their negotiations.
