Zelenskyy warns easing of Russian oil sanctions will fuel war effort

Kathmandu. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the partial easing of sanctions on Russian oil will provide Russia with significant financial resources to sustain its war effort.

He stated that such a decision risks intensifying the ongoing attacks against Ukraine.

In a social media response, Zelenskyy noted that every dollar spent on purchasing Russian oil is being used to fund the war. According to him, this financial flow is directly supporting the devastating attacks in Ukraine. Although he did not explicitly name the U.S. administration, it is understood that his remarks were directed at the recent temporary exemptions granted by the U.S. regarding Russian oil exports.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump extended a one-month exemption on Friday, allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products via sea routes. This move is reportedly aimed at controlling energy prices that have risen due to the conflict in the Middle East. However, this decision appears to reverse a signal given by the U.S. Treasury Department just days earlier that such exemptions would not be renewed.

According to Zelenskyy, more than 110 Russian tankers are currently carrying over 12 million tons of crude oil while violating international sanctions. He claimed that the easing of restrictions could allow these resources to be sold easily, generating approximately $10 billion in revenue, which he asserts could be used directly for attacks against Ukraine.

He reported that in the last week alone, Russia has launched over 2,360 attack drones, more than 1,320 guided aerial bombs, and about 60 missiles at Ukrainian cities, highlighting that the intensity of the war remains unabated.

Local authorities reported that a 16-year-old boy was killed and four others were injured in an overnight attack on the northern city of Chernihiv, further increasing fear and insecurity among civilians.

Zelenskyy urged the international community to take strict measures to stop Russian oil shipments and prevent tankers from reaching ports. He stated that only by reducing Russian oil exports can the aggressor's capabilities be weakened, and that Ukraine will continue its long-range restrictive measures toward that end.