Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has bemoaned the US 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions amid the Iran war, saying it’s “not the right decision” and won’t help bring a stop to Russia’s more than 4-year-old invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said at a news conference with French President, Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Paris that the waiver by the United States could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war. “This certainly does not help peace,” he stressed.
“I believe that lifting sanctions will, in any case, lead to a strengthening of Russia’s position. It spends the money from energy sales on weapons, and all of this is then used against us.
“Therefore, ultimately lifting sanctions only so that more drones will later be flying at you is, in my opinion, not the right decision.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
On Thursday, the US Treasury Department announced a 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions. The step aims to free up Russian cargoes stranded at sea and ease supply shortages caused by the Iran war.
Analysts say that spiraling oil prices due to Persian Gulf production blockages are benefiting the Russian economy. Moscow relies heavily on oil revenue to finance its invasion, and sanctions were a growing handicap.
Broad Sanctions In Place
On his part, French President, Emmanuel Macron noted that broad sanctions on Russia still stand despite the temporary US waiver.
He stated that US waivers announced in recent days are “limited” and “taken on an exceptional basis.” “It does not broadly or permanently roll back the sanctions that they themselves decided to apply,” he added.
Also, Macron said that France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine will remain unchanged despite rising tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing that the war against Ukraine remains a central priority for Europe.
He stressed that European support for Ukraine remains substantial. According to the French leader, European Union countries have collectively provided around €200 billion in assistance to Ukraine since 2022. “We will do everything possible to ensure that the €90 billion credit facility is unlocked and confirmed,” Macron said.
The financial package has been delayed due to opposition from Hungary, which has demanded that Ukraine resume the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, a route previously disrupted by Russian attacks.
Additionally, Macron said that Russia should not assume that developments involving Iran will reduce international attention on the war. “Perhaps Russia believes the war in Iran will give it some breathing space, but it is mistaken,” Macron asserted.
Macron pointed out what he described as contradictions in Moscow’s messaging regarding international conflicts. “It is strange that Russia is calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East while avoiding one in Ukraine for over a year,” he said.
The French President also pointed to the longstanding relationship between Moscow and Tehran. “I want to remind you that Russia is a historic and strategic ally of the regime in Iran,” Macron said, noting that the two countries maintain a strategic partnership agreement whose details have never been publicly disclosed.
He added that Iranian drones are currently being produced inside Russia, underlining the military cooperation between the two countries.
Moreover, Macron announced that European governments are preparing additional pressure measures against Moscow.
According to him, the 20th EU sanctions package is currently being developed, along with new steps designed to reduce Russia’s ability to circumvent existing restrictions.
He argued that sustained pressure is necessary to push Moscow toward negotiations. At the same time, Macron emphasized that the shifting global focus toward the Middle East will not weaken France’s position on Ukraine.
“At a moment when many eyes are turned toward Iran, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit carries particular importance for me.
“It allows me to reaffirm that nothing will divert our attention from Ukraine, which for more than four years has shown extraordinary determination and courage in resisting Russian aggression. Our support will not weaken.”
Emmanuel Macron
Merz Adopts Critical Stance On Sanctions Waiver
Separately, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz adopted a more critical stance. He said during a visit to Norway that a meeting earlier this week of Heads of state and government from the Group of Seven industrialized democracies discussed with US President Donald Trump the issue of Russian oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
“Six members of the G7 expressed a very clear view that this (waiving of Russia sanctions) is not the right signal to send. We learned this morning that the U.S. government has apparently decided otherwise. Once again, we believe this is the wrong decision.
“There is currently a price problem, but not a supply problem. And in that regard, I would like to know what additional motives led the U.S. government to make this decision.”
Friedrich Merz
He emphasized that after all, “we want to ensure that Russia does not exploit the war in Iran to weaken Ukraine.”
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