Zelensky Condemns US Extension of Russian Sanctions Waiver Amidst Global Energy Tensions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly criticized a recent US decision to prolong the period allowing Russia to sell oil despite existing Western sanctions. This extension permits countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels at sea until May 16.
The United States justifies the waiver as a measure to alleviate the energy supply crunch reportedly triggered by escalating tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. However, in his remarks on Sunday, President Zelensky asserted that “every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war” in Ukraine. Comprehensive sanctions have been imposed on Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Recent developments in the Middle East, including reported US and Israeli actions against Iran, have reportedly led to Iranian retaliation. This retaliation has been directed not only against Israel and US military bases in the Gulf but also, according to reports, against energy facilities and other civilian sites in Arab allied nations of the US in the region.
Furthermore, Iran has reportedly virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is typically transported. This situation has caused significant turmoil in global energy markets, raising concerns about a potential world recession if the strait is not fully reopened soon.
The initial US move to ease Russian sanctions on March 13 was met with widespread condemnation from President Zelensky and his European allies. In extending the waiver on Friday, the US stated its intention “to ensure oil is available to those who need it” as negotiations to end the conflict “accelerate.”
The Ukrainian leader highlighted that Russia possesses more than 110 tankers from its “shadow fleet” – vessels with obscured ownership designed to circumvent sanctions – carrying “over 12 million tons” of oil. He argued that the sale of this oil would generate an estimated $10 billion (£7.4 billion) for Moscow, serving as “a resource that is directly converted into new strikes against Ukraine.”
While President Zelensky did not elaborate on the basis for these figures, he noted that in the past week alone, Russia had launched “over 2,360 attack drones, more than 1,320 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 60 missiles of various types at our cities and communities.” This included a particularly devastating attack on April 15, involving over 700 drones and missiles in multiple waves in one night, resulting in at least 18 fatalities.
Ukraine has also conducted attacks against Russia, with a particular focus on energy infrastructure. Despite ongoing hostilities, the conflict in Ukraine has largely reached a stalemate, with Russia controlling approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. Efforts led by the US to mediate an end to the war have reportedly been paused due to the escalating situation in Iran.
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