Zelenskyy Opposes US Waiver Allowing Russian Oil Sales Amid Price Surge

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised a recent US decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil, warning that continued energy exports are directly funding Moscow’s war efforts against Ukraine amid rising global oil prices driven by instability in West Asia.

In a statement posted on social media platform X on Sunday, Zelenskyy said that “every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war,” arguing that billions of dollars generated from oil sales are being used to finance Russian military strikes on Ukrainian territory. Although he did not directly mention the United States, his comments came shortly after Washington introduced a temporary sanctions waiver affecting Russian oil shipments.

The US administration recently issued a one-month exemption allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products that were already loaded onto vessels as of April 11, extending permission until mid-May. The move was reportedly aimed at stabilising global energy markets, which have been under pressure due to escalating tensions and disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, the decision has sparked political debate, particularly as it came shortly after US officials had indicated that no such extension would be granted.

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Zelenskyy warned that more than 110 tankers carrying Russian crude—amounting to over 12 million tonnes of oil—are currently at sea and could now re-enter global markets without sanctions enforcement. He estimated that this volume represents roughly $10 billion in revenue, which he claimed could be redirected toward continued Russian military operations against Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president also highlighted the intensity of recent Russian attacks, stating that over the past week alone, Ukraine had been targeted by more than 2,360 drones, over 1,300 guided aerial bombs, and dozens of missiles. He cited a recent strike on the northern city of Chernihiv, where a 16-year-old was killed and several civilians were injured, as evidence of ongoing escalation.

Zelenskyy urged stronger international enforcement of sanctions, particularly targeting Russia’s oil exports, arguing that restricting maritime shipments would significantly reduce Moscow’s financial capacity to sustain the war. He called for tighter monitoring of tankers and more effective implementation of existing restrictions.

The decision has also drawn criticism from several US lawmakers, particularly Democrats, who described the waiver as a reversal of earlier commitments to maintain pressure on Russia. They argued that easing sanctions risks undermining efforts to isolate Moscow economically. The issue highlights ongoing tensions in Western policy over balancing economic stability with sustained pressure on Russia, as the war in Ukraine continues into its fourth year.

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