Rubio: Trump froze sanctions on Russia to "analyze" their impact on the global economy

He considered that several conflicts are affecting global energy prices, including the US war on Iran and the aggression waged by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia.

He continued, "These conflicts have begun to overlap, and just as they affect global oil and diesel prices, they also affect economies."

For his part, Trump said late Saturday that his decision would benefit the United States.

He added, "It is a very good decision, and it will be in the country's interest, and I also believe it will be in the world's interest."

Bipartisan US lawmakers directed sharp criticism at Trump over an executive order he signed on Friday, through which he exempted Russia from sanctions and tariffs that Congress had approved last month.

The law, which Trump signed in mid-September, targets the Russian energy and defense sectors, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, and what is known as the "shadow fleet" of Russian oil tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions.

It specifically authorizes Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India.

However, the US President decided to exempt Russia from the economic restrictions just two days before the law was set to take effect.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis, known for his criticism of Trump, wrote on the X platform, "This is beyond irresponsible," adding, "If the President really wants to lower energy prices, he can do so by solving the Iranian problem, not by doing a favor for Vladimir Putin."

For his part, Republican Senator Ted Cruz described the decision as a "mistake."

Trump's move came after he reached an agreement with Putin to resume Russian diesel exports in exchange for easing US sanctions on Moscow.

The repercussions of the sharp rise in diesel prices caused by the war with Iran have begun to reflect on the US economy, while concerns related to the cost of living are at the forefront of voters' interests ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for next month.

Opinion polls indicate the possibility of electoral losses for the Republicans led by Trump.

Rubio said, "The diesel that Putin was going to sell would have reached the global market one way or another. The only difference is the volume of quantities that the United States will receive," stressing the importance of this fuel for the road transport, agriculture, and construction sectors in the United States.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his fear that the United States would lift more sanctions on Russia, considering that Trump's move "rewards" Putin.