Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly criticised the easing of sanctions on Russian oil following a decision by the United States to extend a waiver allowing certain transactions involving Russian energy exports.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday (April 19), Zelenskyy said every dollar spent on Russian oil effectively funds the ongoing war against Ukraine, adding that billions generated from energy sales are being channelled into destructive military attacks on Ukrainian territory.
Although he did not directly name the United States, the comments came shortly after the administration of President Donald Trump issued a one-month extension permitting the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products already at sea. The move was aimed at stabilising rising global energy prices, which have been affected by tensions in the Middle East.
The waiver, announced by the US Treasury Department, came just days after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that no further extensions would be granted. The policy shift has drawn scrutiny due to its timing and potential economic implications.
Zelenskyy also claimed that more than 110 oil tankers carrying over 12 million tonnes of Russian crude are currently at sea in violation of sanctions, warning that the eased restrictions could allow approximately US$10 billion worth of oil to re-enter global markets without consequences. He argued that such revenue directly supports continued missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.
He further stated that Russia had intensified its military operations in the past week, launching more than 2,360 drones, over 1,300 guided bombs, and dozens of missiles targeting Ukrainian cities and communities. He cited recent civilian casualties, including a 16-year-old killed in Chernihiv, as evidence of escalating aggression.
Zelenskyy urged stronger enforcement of maritime restrictions, calling for Russian oil exports to be further reduced as part of what he described as long-range economic pressure to weaken Moscow’s war capacity.
The decision has also sparked political backlash in the United States, with several Democratic senators condemning the move as inconsistent and damaging to sanctions policy. They argued that easing restrictions could indirectly benefit Russia by boosting its energy revenues at a critical stage of the conflict.
The sanctions waiver allows transactions involving Russian oil loaded before May 16, temporarily extending a previous exemption that had expired earlier this month, as Washington continues to balance geopolitical pressure with concerns over global fuel prices.
