President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a stark warning on Sunday, April 19, stating that the continued weakening of sanctions against Russia misrepresents the reality of the war and provides Moscow with the resources to escalate its aggression.
“Every dollar for oil from Russia is money for war,” Zelensky wrote on social media. He highlighted that more than 110 tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet are currently at sea, carrying over 12 million tons of oil. Due to recent sanctions relief, this oil – valued at approximately $10 billion – can “again be sold without consequences,” providing a direct financial resource for new strikes against Ukraine.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian long-range operations would continue to target the aggressor’s export capabilities to counter this funding.
To illustrate the scale of the ongoing conflict, the president noted that in this week alone, Russian forces launched over 2,360 strike drones, more than 1,320 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 60 missiles of various types against Ukrainian territory.
This high-level criticism follows a diplomatic rift caused by the US Treasury Department’s issuance of General License 134B. The waiver allows for the sale and transport of Russian oil loaded as of April 17, 2026, through May 16, 2026.
Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Olha Stefanishyna and Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha have both condemned the move, arguing it allows Moscow to profit from global instability and its alliance with Iran.
The decision by US President Donald Trump’s administration has also faced domestic opposition, with Senate Democrats labeling the reversal “shameful.” Critics argue that providing Moscow with additional billions directly fuels what they describe as a “murderous war machine,” undermining both Ukrainian security and broader Western interests.