Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly criticised a decision by the United States to extend a waiver allowing Russia to continue selling oil despite sweeping Western sanctions, warning that such actions risk fuelling Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.
The controversial move permits countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products that are already loaded onto vessels at sea until 16 May. US officials have defended the decision, saying it is intended to stabilise global energy supplies amid growing tensions in the Middle East.
Zelensky did not hold back in his response, arguing that any financial inflow into Russia’s economy directly strengthens its military campaign. Speaking on Sunday, he emphasised the connection between energy trade and the ongoing conflict.
“Every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war,” Zelensky said, underscoring his frustration with what he views as a weakening of international pressure on Moscow.
Sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s government have been in place since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These measures were designed to cripple Russia’s economy and limit its ability to finance military operations.
Zelensky Warns Oil Revenues Fuel Russia’s War Effort
However, the latest US decision has raised concerns in Kyiv and among European allies that cracks may be forming in the sanctions regime.
The United States has justified the waiver extension by pointing to mounting instability in global energy markets. The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has significantly disrupted oil supply chains, creating fears of shortages and price spikes.
The situation has been exacerbated by Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically flows. With the route effectively restricted, global markets have been thrown into turmoil.
US officials say the waiver is a temporary measure aimed at ensuring oil remains available to countries that depend on steady energy imports. They also suggested that maintaining supply could help prevent a deeper global economic crisis, including the risk of recession.
Despite these explanations, Zelensky and several European leaders have voiced strong opposition. The Ukrainian president warned that allowing Russian oil sales—even temporarily—undermines efforts to isolate Moscow financially.
He pointed to what he described as Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of more than 110 tankers with obscured ownership designed to bypass sanctions. According to Zelensky, these vessels are currently carrying over 12 million tons of oil.
If sold, he claimed, the shipments could generate up to $10 billion for Russia—funds he argues would be “directly converted into new strikes against Ukraine.” While he did not provide detailed sources for these figures, his remarks highlight Kyiv’s concerns about the broader implications of the waiver.
Zelensky’s criticism comes against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory. Over the past week alone, he reported that Russia launched more than 2,360 attack drones, over 1,320 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 60 missiles targeting cities and communities across Ukraine.
Among these assaults was one of the deadliest attacks in recent months, which took place on 15 April. In a single night, more than 700 drones and missiles were deployed in multiple waves, resulting in at least 18 deaths.
Ukraine has also carried out strikes, particularly targeting Russian energy infrastructure, in an effort to weaken Moscow’s operational capacity. Despite these ongoing offensives from both sides, the conflict has largely reached a stalemate, with Russia currently controlling about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Efforts to bring the war to an end have faced significant setbacks. Negotiations led by the United States have slowed, largely due to the broader regional conflict involving Iran, which has diverted attention and resources.
The extension of the oil waiver, initially introduced on 13 March and renewed again on Friday, has further complicated diplomatic dynamics. While Washington insists the move is necessary to maintain global stability, Kyiv fears it sends the wrong signal to Moscow.
For Zelensky, the issue is not just about energy policy but about maintaining consistent international pressure on Russia. Any perceived softening, he argues, risks prolonging the war and increasing the human and economic toll.
The situation underscores the difficult balancing act facing global powers as they navigate competing priorities. On one hand, there is an urgent need to stabilise energy markets and prevent economic disruption. On the other, there is a continued commitment—at least in principle—to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.
Zelensky’s remarks serve as a reminder of the stakes involved. As the war drags on, decisions made far beyond Ukraine’s borders continue to have direct consequences on the battlefield.
With tensions rising both in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the path forward remains uncertain. For now, Zelensky’s message is clear: economic concessions to Russia, even temporary ones, come at a cost—one that Ukraine continues to bear.
