Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticised the easing of sanctions on Russian oil, warning that the move risks strengthening Moscow’s war effort against Ukraine, according to Hurriyet Daily News.
In a post on X on Sunday, Zelensky said that “every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war,” arguing that billions in energy revenue are being used to fund attacks on Ukrainian cities. Although he did not directly name the United States, his comments followed a decision by President Donald Trump’s administration to extend a temporary waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil already at sea.
The waiver, issued on Friday, is intended to ease rising global energy prices linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It permits the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products loaded onto vessels until mid-May. The move came just days after U.S. officials had signalled the waiver might not be renewed.
Zelensky said more than 110 tankers carrying over 12 million tonnes of Russian crude are currently at sea in violation of sanctions. With the waiver in place, he warned, that oil could now be sold without consequences—potentially generating around $10 billion.
He linked these funds directly to recent attacks, saying that in just one week Russia launched over 2,300 drones, more than 1,300 guided bombs, and dozens of missiles across Ukraine. In one overnight strike on the northern city of Chernihiv, a 16-year-old boy was killed and four others injured.
Zelensky called for tougher enforcement, urging that Russian tankers be stopped and its oil exports reduced.
The issue adds strain to Ukraine’s already delicate relationship with Washington. While Kyiv depends on U.S. support, the Trump administration has also pushed for a negotiated end to the war. Meanwhile, several leading Democrats have condemned the sanctions relief, calling it a damaging and misguided step.
