Paris, March 13: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the US decision to grant a 30-day waiver on sanctions against Russian oil, calling it “not the right decision” amid the ongoing Iran war.
Speaking at a news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Zelenskyy warned that the waiver could provide Russia with about USD 10 billion to fund its war in Ukraine, strengthening its military capabilities.
He stressed that lifting sanctions allows Russia to spend energy revenues on weapons, worsening the conflict and undermining peace efforts.
Zelenskyy emphasized that easing sanctions does not contribute to halting Russia’s more than four-year-old invasion and only strengthens its position on the battlefield.
The waiver, announced by the US Treasury Department, aims to free stranded Russian oil shipments and address global supply shortages caused by Persian Gulf disruptions.
Analysts noted that surging oil prices due to Iran-related production blockages indirectly benefit Russia, which heavily relies on energy revenues to finance its invasion.
Zelenskyy said US-mediated talks between Moscow and Kyiv are on hold because of the Iran war but may resume next week.
Macron clarified that the broad sanctions on Russia remain in place despite the temporary US waiver, describing the move as “limited” and “exceptional” and not a permanent rollback.
European Opposition
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also criticized the waiver, calling it the “wrong decision.”
He noted that during a recent G7 meeting, six members opposed the waiver, warning it sends the wrong signal internationally.
Merz argued that while oil prices are high, there is no global supply problem, questioning the rationale behind the US decision and emphasizing the potential strategic consequences of easing sanctions.
Ukraine Offers Drone Expertise
Zelenskyy also highlighted Ukraine’s role as a leading producer of drone interceptors, offering its expertise to the US and Gulf partners affected by drone attacks.
Ukraine has sent expert teams to three countries and received requests from six others, including the United States and Jordan. Zelenskyy stressed that merely supplying drones is insufficient; effective deployment requires integration with radars and air defense systems.
Kyiv is awaiting White House approval for an agreement to produce battle-tested drones, seeking advanced weaponry in return for sharing its operational expertise.
Zelenskyy’s statements underscore Ukraine’s dual strategy: applying international pressure on Russia while leveraging its military capabilities to strengthen global alliances, even as energy market disruptions and evolving sanctions policies complicate international responses. (AP)
