Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a US decision to extend the period during which Russia is allowed to sell oil despite Western sanctions. The move means countries can purchase Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels at sea until 16 May. The US argues that the waiver is meant to ease the energy supply crunch sparked by the US-Israel war with Iran. But in his remarks on Sunday, Zelensky said every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war in Ukraine. Widespread sanctions have been in place against Russia since President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The devastating US and Israel attacks against Iran have resulted in retaliations that affect energy supply and further escalate tensions in the region. Additionally, Iran's virtual closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transport route, has heightened fears of a global recession. The US decision to ease Russian sanctions on 13 March was widely criticized by Zelensky and European leaders, while the need for oil remains a contentious issue amidst ongoing negotiations to end the war.
Zelensky Criticizes US for Extending Russian Sanctions Waiver
Zelensky Criticizes US for Extending Russian Sanctions Waiver
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks out against a US decision to extend a waiver allowing Russia to sell oil amid ongoing sanctions, arguing it undermines efforts to halt the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the US decision to extend a waiver that allows Russia to continue selling oil despite sanctions imposed due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. He emphasized that any money paid for Russian oil is essentially funding the war against Ukraine. The US argues that the waiver aims to alleviate an energy supply crisis, but Zelensky highlighted that it only serves to bolster Russia's military actions. The extension permits purchases of already loaded oil vessels until May 16, placing additional pressure on energy markets amid wider geopolitical tensions, particularly related to Iran.
