Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says a US sanctions waiver on Russian oil provides billions for Moscow’s military to wage war on Ukraine.
KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the easing of sanctions on Russian oil, stating that it provides billions of dollars to fund Moscow’s military campaign against his country.
Zelensky asserted that every dollar paid for Russian oil becomes money for the war, directly financing devastating strikes on Ukraine, in a post on social media platform X.
The condemnation follows a decision by the administration of US President Donald Trump to issue a month-long sanctions waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products already at sea.
This action, intended to mitigate soaring global energy prices, came just two days after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated Washington would not renew the waiver.
Zelensky highlighted that more than 110 tankers are currently carrying over 12 million tonnes of sanctioned Russian crude oil at sea, which can now be sold without consequence due to the eased restrictions.
He stated that this oil represents a USD 10 billion resource that is directly converted into new military strikes against Ukrainian cities and communities.
Detailing the recent onslaught, Zelensky reported that Russia launched over 2,360 attack drones, more than 1,320 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 60 missiles of various types at Ukraine in the past week alone.
The human cost was underscored by a local official who confirmed a 16-year-old boy was killed and four people were wounded in an overnight attack on the northern city of Chernihiv.
Zelensky emphasised the critical need to stop Russian tankers from delivering oil to ports, arguing that decreasing the aggressor’s oil exports remains a key goal for Ukraine’s long-range capabilities.
