Zelenskyy Criticizes U.S. Decision to Ease Russian Oil Sanctions

Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lashed out at U.S. President Donald Trump. He has strongly criticized the U.S. decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil. 

'Every dollar paid for Russian oil is money used for the war Russia is waging against Ukraine,' he warned. The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a new exemption on Friday, allowing the transport and sale of Russian crude oil on maritime tankers.

This decision is reportedly aimed at reducing price pressures in the global market caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran. According to Zelenskyy, more than 110 Russian shadow fleet vessels are currently transporting over 12 million tons of oil at sea.

He stated, 'Selling this oil without restrictions will add about $10 billion to Russia's budget,' which he noted would directly translate into new attacks on Ukraine. 

According to Zelenskyy, this week alone, Russia has launched over 2,360 drones, more than 1,320 guided bombs, and about 60 types of missiles at Ukrainian cities and communities. Zelenskyy affirmed that efforts to weaken Russia's oil industry will continue.