Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced strong opposition Friday to America’s decision to temporarily suspend Russian oil sanctions, calling the move misguided and counterproductive to ending Moscow’s ongoing invasion of his country.
Speaking during a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Zelenskyy warned that the temporary relief could generate substantial revenue for Russia’s military operations.
“This easing alone by the United States could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war,” Zelenskyy said. “This certainly does not help peace.”
The Ukrainian leader expressed concern that Moscow would channel profits from energy exports directly into weapons procurement, creating a dangerous cycle that ultimately harms Ukrainian civilians.
“I believe that lifting sanctions will, in any case, lead to a strengthening of Russia’s position. It spends the money from energy sales on weapons, and all of this is then used against us,” Zelenskyy explained during his Paris visit.
“Therefore, ultimately lifting sanctions only so that more drones will later be flying at you is, in my opinion, not the right decision,” he said.
The Treasury Department revealed Thursday its plan to implement a month-long suspension of Russian oil penalties, designed to release stranded petroleum shipments and address supply shortfalls stemming from Middle Eastern conflicts.
Market experts indicate that rising crude prices resulting from Persian Gulf production disruptions are providing unexpected economic benefits to Russia. Moscow depends significantly on petroleum revenues to fund its military campaign, making sanctions increasingly burdensome for the Kremlin.
Diplomatic negotiations between Washington, Moscow and Kyiv aimed at resolving Europe’s largest military conflict since the 1940s have been suspended due to Iran-related tensions, though discussions may restart within days, according to Zelenskyy.
French President Macron emphasized that comprehensive penalties against Russia remain in place despite America’s temporary adjustment.
Recent American exemptions are “limited” and “taken on an exceptional basis,” Macron explained. “It does not broadly or permanently roll back the sanctions that they themselves decided to apply,” he added.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed sharper criticism of the American decision. During a Norwegian visit Friday, Merz revealed that G7 leaders had previously discussed Russian energy supplies with President Donald Trump.
“Six members of the G7 expressed a very clear view that this (waiving of Russia sanctions) is not the right signal to send,” Merz stated. “We learned this morning that the U.S. government has apparently decided otherwise. Once again, we believe this is the wrong decision.”
“There is currently a price problem, but not a supply problem. And in that regard, I would like to know what additional motives led the U.S. government to make this decision,” Merz added.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has emerged as a major manufacturer of drone defense systems, with Kyiv proposing to share its technological expertise with America and Middle Eastern allies in exchange for advanced military equipment it cannot produce domestically.
However, Trump rejected Ukraine’s assistance offer in Friday radio comments. “No, we don’t need their help on drone defense,” Trump told the “Brian Kilmeade Show” on Fox News Radio.
Just one day earlier, Zelenskyy had announced Ukraine was seeking White House authorization for a drone production partnership agreement.
In Paris, the Ukrainian president claimed his government had received American requests for drone combat support. The reason for the conflicting statements between the two leaders remained unclear.
Zelenskyy disclosed that six nations have requested Ukrainian drone assistance, with expert teams already deployed to three unnamed countries.
The Ukrainian leader stressed that simply providing interceptor equipment is insufficient for effective drone defense operations. His military possesses specialized knowledge in system deployment and integration.
“There must be proper, systematic work with radars and with the entire air defense system,” Zelenskyy said. “Ukraine is ready to share this experience for the sake of the security of those partners who are helping us.”
