Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly opposed any reduction or removal of international sanctions against Russia, arguing that such actions would inadvertently bolster the country’s military capabilities. He emphasized that easing restrictions would directly support Russian armed forces and their defense industry.
Zelensky pointed out that previous attempts to relax sanctions have yielded no positive outcomes for the global market. He stated, “After the easing of certain sanctions, we did not see any surprises, such as a decrease in global prices for oil, gas, or diesel. The share of Russian oil is only 5% of global supply. How could this change anything?” This statement underscores his view that sanctions have not significantly impacted Russia’s economic standing.
The President further criticized the notion of negotiating with the Kremlin through softened sanctions, asserting that such a strategy is fundamentally flawed. He remarked, “The Russian leadership is incapable of understanding diplomatic arguments constructively. They do not comprehend words or empathy and perceive this as a sign of weakness. We must be strong and impose more sanctions against them.”
Zelensky has previously stated that to halt the ongoing bombardments of Ukrainian cities, there must be a consolidation of the international community and sustained pressure on Russia. He urged global leaders to intensify economic restrictions and long-range sanctions.
Additionally, he mentioned that Ukrainian defense forces are actively working to intercept Russian drones heading toward Poland and the Baltic states, indicating that the Kremlin is not only targeting Ukraine but also testing NATO’s air defense systems and the Alliance’s response to provocations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his stance against easing sanctions on Russia, warning that such measures would strengthen the aggressor's military. He calls for increased international pressure and sanctions to effectively address ongoing threats.