Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised alarms over a recent uptick in Russian oil sales, attributing this surge to the easing of sanctions. He claims that these sales are being used to finance the ongoing conflict against Ukraine.
In a statement on social media, Zelensky detailed the scale of military actions by Russia, reporting that nearly 1,550 drones and over 1,260 guided aerial bombs were launched at Ukraine within the past week. He emphasized that the profits from oil sales are providing Russia with a sense of impunity, allowing it to sustain its military operations.
“The revenue gives Russia a feeling of invulnerability and the ability to continue the war. Therefore, pressure must persist, and sanctions need to be effective,” Zelensky stated.
He further urged that Russia’s shadow fleet should not operate freely in European waters or elsewhere, calling for the interception and blocking of tankers that contribute to the war effort.
This warning follows the recent decision by the United States to temporarily lift sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products transported by sea, a move that has raised concerns about its potential impact on the conflict.
President Zelensky has expressed concern over increased Russian oil sales, linking them to the easing of sanctions and their role in funding the war against Ukraine. He calls for continued pressure and effective sanctions to counteract this trend.