KYIV, Ukraine (Chatnewstv.com) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday urged allies to intensify sanctions against Russia’s oil and energy trade, saying that only crippling the Kremlin’s war economy can bring an end to Moscow’s invasion.
“Anyone seeking an end to this war must take the necessary steps to halt Russia’s war machine,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
“If Putin does not want peace, he must be forced into it. Putin’s war will end when he — and only he — can no longer continue it.”
Zelensky cited fresh sanctions imposed this week by the United Kingdom, Japan and New Zealand, along with an extension of European Union restrictions, as evidence that international pressure is mounting. But he stressed that more must be done, particularly against Russian oil and the shadow fleet that moves it.
“The sanctions — and our proposed sanctions — are aimed at the entire shadow fleet infrastructure: tanker captains, insurers, traders and operators conducting business with Russia,” Zelensky said.
“Strong sanctions against terminals shipping and receiving Russian oil could be among the greatest steps toward peace imaginable.”
The president praised efforts by countries that have reduced imports of Russian energy resources, noting that Europe has moved from “near-total dependence” on Russian gas to more diversified supplies since the war began.
He also pressed the United States to lead with tougher measures, including tariffs, to discourage others from purchasing Russian fuel.
“For Putin, it is the United States that represents a real argument — along with other global actors,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian leader warned that Moscow’s strikes on Poland with drones show the war’s widening danger.
“This is a warning not only to Poland but to all of Europe. Russian drones can travel much greater distances,” he said.
Zelensky confirmed he met this week with leaders from Finland, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland and NATO, as well as top European security advisers. He said a “basic document on security guarantees for Ukraine — and therefore for all of Europe — is practically ready.”
Ukraine’s military, he added, will continue to intensify long-range strikes on Russian positions. “Our deep strikes will intensify — financing and tasks for this are already in place,” he said.
The president also thanked Sweden for a new defense package worth more than $900 million and welcomed progress made at the latest Ramstein meeting of Ukraine’s defense allies, particularly on air defense.
“We are doing everything to defend Ukraine, and we are doing everything to protect Ukrainians,” Zelensky said.
“I thank everyone standing with Ukraine. I thank everyone who is helping us.”
