Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised the easing of sanctions on Russian oil, warning that the move risks strengthening Moscow’s ability to finance its military operations.
Speaking after the United States relaxed some restrictions on Russia’s energy sector, Zelenskyy argued that the decision could allow the Kremlin to channel additional revenue into weapons production.
“It spends the money from energy sales on weapons, and all of this is then used against us,” he said.
Zelenskyy Warns Energy Revenue Fuels Russia’s Military Operations
Zelenskyy said lifting sanctions would ultimately bolster Russia’s military capability, as income generated from energy exports continues to fund the war effort.
“We hear signals that this is meant to stabilise the situation, but in my view, the logic is completely different,” he said.
“The reality is that Russia spends this money on weapons – primarily on drones, which are being used massively against Ukrainians.”
The Ukrainian leader warned that such financial flows directly translate into increased military pressure on Ukrainian forces and civilians.
Intelligence Reports Link Russian Drones To Wider Regional Threats
Zelenskyy also pointed to intelligence assessments indicating that the same drone technology used against Ukraine is appearing in other regions.
According to him, reports show “these same drones are also being used against Iran’s neighbours, countries in the Middle East, as well as against Europeans and Americans whose forces are present at various bases there”.
He argued that easing sanctions could have broader international consequences beyond the conflict in Ukraine.
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“Therefore, ultimately lifting sanctions only so that more drones will later be flying at you is, in my opinion, not the right decision,” he said.
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