Zelenskyy Slams US Sanctions Relief, Warns of $10 Billion Windfall for Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a stark warning on Friday, stating that a recent United States decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil sales could hand Moscow approximately $10 billion in additional revenue. He emphasized that this move directly undermines international efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
"This Certainly Does Not Help Peace"
During a press conference in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelenskyy expressed grave concerns. "This one concession alone by the United States could give Russia about $10 billion for the war. This certainly does not help peace," he stated, as reported by the AFP news agency. His remarks followed Washington's announcement of a 30-day license permitting countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products already stranded at sea.
Macron Backs Kyiv, Criticizes Russian Assumptions
French President Emmanuel Macron strongly supported Kyiv's position, pushing back against the US measure. He asserted that Russia is "mistaken" if it believes the conflict in the Middle East will reduce global pressure on Moscow. "Today Russia may believe that the war in Iran will offer it respite. It is mistaken," Macron declared at the joint press conference.
He further highlighted that G7 leaders had recently affirmed that rising oil prices "must under no circumstances lead us to reconsider our sanctions policy towards Russia." This reflects growing unease in Europe that the temporary sanctions relief could inadvertently strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially as oil prices remain elevated due to the Middle East crisis.
US Defends Waiver as Temporary Market Stabilizer
The US Treasury issued the 30-day license, valid through April 11, for the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products loaded on vessels by March 12. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained that this short-term step aims to "stabilize global energy markets" and "increase the global reach of existing supply" after oil prices surged above $100 per barrel following the war involving Iran.
According to Reuters, Washington contends that the move will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government. This measure follows an earlier US waiver issued on March 5 specifically for India, allowing purchases of Russian oil already stuck at sea. Concurrently, the US and the International Energy Agency are releasing large emergency oil stocks to contain soaring prices.
Paris Talks Focus on Increasing Pressure on Russia
Zelenskyy's visit to France, his 12th since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, aimed to bolster pressure on Moscow. Discussions centered on targeting Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers used to circumvent sanctions by moving oil illicitly. However, the talks were overshadowed by concerns that the Middle East war has disrupted US-brokered efforts to revive peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also criticized the US move on Friday, stating, "easing sanctions now, for whatever reason, is wrong," as per AFP. In contrast, the Kremlin argued that the Paris meeting would obstruct the peace process, labeling attempts to pressure Russia as "absurd."
Wider Conflict and Fresh Battlefield Strains
The sanctions debate unfolds amid intensifying warfare in Ukraine. A Russian strike in eastern Ukraine on Friday killed three people on a bus near Kupiansk, where Russian forces are attempting to recapture territory. Zelenskyy's visit also coincided with new political friction in Europe, as Hungary blocked a crucial 90-billion-euro EU loan package for Ukraine and a fresh round of sanctions on Russia.
This dispute is partly linked to the damaged Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Kyiv alleges the pipeline was hit by Russian strikes earlier this year. The temporary US oil waiver, announced against the backdrop of surging global energy prices and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, has thus opened a fresh fault line between Washington and its European allies. Kyiv warns it risks fuelling the very war the West claims it seeks to end.
