Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized recent moves to ease sanctions on Russian energy exports.
According to Zelenskyy, increased oil revenues are strengthening Moscow’s war effort.
Speaking in an interview with NBC News, Zelenskyy stated that allowing Russian access to global oil markets will give Moscow additional funds for its military campaign in Ukraine.
“Russia is using its super-profits from oil to arm itself and support terrorist networks,” said Zelenskyy.
His comments come amid ongoing tensions between Western allies over energy policy and sanctions and rising global fuel prices as a result of the war in the Middle East.
Zelenskyy Warns of Lifting Russian Oil Sanctions
In his statement, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the direct link between Russia’s energy revenues and its global military ambitions.
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Zelenskyy warned that lifting sanctions on Russian oil would provide Moscow with financial resources, which would be used in weapons production and military operations.
He stressed Russia’s potentials for international destabilization, noting that Russian-supplied drones and satellite technology could be shared with Middle East partners.
“If sanctions are lifted and Putin gets much more money, he will invest it in weapons. And then they share these drones with the Iranians, use satellites, and the Iranians attack bases of Great Britain, the USA, or Middle Eastern partners. Russia gains a lot of benefits from this war, and this money becomes an investment in global terror.” stated Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy Challenges US on Oil Sanctions Waiver
During talks in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier in March, Zelenskyy condemned the United States government’s decision to grant a temporary waiver of oil sanctions targeting Russia.
The waiver was intended to free Russian crude supplies stuck at sea and help alleviate global energy shortages caused by disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
Zelenskyy warned that the policy shift could strengthen Russia’s ability to sustain its invasion of Ukraine.
“Only this one easing from America could give Russia about $10 billion for the war. This definitely does not help peace,” said Zelenskyy.
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Ukraine Faces Unrelenting Attacks from Russia
Zelenskyy has warned that Moscow has continued intensified military campaign by using over 3,000 strike drones against Ukrainian cities and communities, including a number of Shaheds, along with more than 1,450 guided aerial bombs and 40 missiles of various types.
Zelenskyy highlighted that many of the drones and ballistic weapons deployed against Ukraine are the same as those used in the Middle East and Gulf region, emphasizing the global implications of Russian military strategies.
He has called for coordinated efforts to provide protection and prevent further wars, including the need for building joint, modern defense systems, developing collaborative weapons production, and uniting capabilities across nations.
According to Zelenskyy, such measures are essential to ensure peace not only in Europe but also in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
