William B. Taylor Jr.
Role at the time: Former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine
Condemned
Statement summary
Taylor calls Trump's waiver of the Graham Act sanctions inexplicable, lists it with the earlier diesel waiver as actions in support of Russia, and says Trump should put pressure on Putin to end the war.
“Well, Brian, it's inexplicable that the United States would take these actions, that the President would take these actions in support of Russia.”
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)William Taylor discusses Russia sanctions on CNNOpening interview, approximately 00:04-00:09 ET
Taylor criticizes sanctions relief and argues for pressure on Putin. The interview also addresses separate disputes about military assistance.
Why we used this label
The reference point is Trump's waiver of the Graham Act's Russia sanctions. Taylor calls the waiver an inexplicable action in support of Russia and says ending the war requires pressure on Putin.