Trump Exempts Russia From New Sanctions Ahead of US Elections
Listen to the story
US President Donald Trump has decided to exempt Russia from new sanctions, according to a recent report. This decision comes as the United States gets ready for its mid-term elections, a key political moment for the government.
The report suggests that Trump has been giving several favorable gestures, described as 'gifts', to Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent times. Avoiding new sanctions is seen as one of these gestures.
Sanctions are economic measures that countries use to pressure another nation, often by limiting trade or financial access. Many Western countries, including the United States, have placed sanctions on Russia since the war in Ukraine began.
By choosing not to add new sanctions, the Trump administration appears to be taking a softer approach toward Moscow. Some observers believe this could be linked to political strategy ahead of the elections, though the exact reasons remain unclear.
Mid-term elections in the United States are important because they can change the balance of power in Congress. They often happen in the middle of a president's term and can affect how much support a president has for the rest of their time in office.
The report does not provide further details about specific policies or statements from either leader. It focuses mainly on the fact that the US has avoided new sanctions against Russia at this particular time.
This story is part of ongoing coverage of relations between the United States and Russia, which remain a major topic in international politics.
Vocabulary6 words
- sanctions
- official actions that limit trade or money with a country
- mid-term elections
- US elections held partway through a president's term
- financial
- related to money
- administration
- the group of people leading a government
- Congress
- the part of the US government that makes laws
- diplomatic
- related to relations between countries
Quiz
Answer key
1. To exempt Russia from new sanctions 2. They can change the balance of power in Congress 3. False
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
US President Donald Trump has decided to exempt Russia from new _____, according to a recent report. This decision comes as the United States gets ready for its _____, a key political moment for the government.
The report suggests that Trump has been giving several favorable gestures, described as 'gifts', to Russian President Vladimir _____ in recent times. Avoiding new sanctions is seen as one of these gestures.
Many Western countries, including the United States, have placed _____ on Russia since the war in Ukraine began.
Mid-term elections in the United States are important because they can change the balance of power in _____.
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