President Vladimir Putin of Russia speaks with President Donald Trump at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug, 15, 2025. The Trump administration is ignoring the will of Congress and waiving new Russia sanctions amid fears that high energy prices will cost Republicans in the November 2026 elections. (Doug Mills/The New York Times) By ALAN RAPPEPORT For years, critics of President Donald Trump accused him of welcoming help from Russia to tilt elections in his favor….
