Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticized a recent U.S. decision to extend a waiver allowing the continued sale of Russian oil, warning that the revenue directly funds Moscow's ongoing military aggression.
In a statement on Sunday, Zelensky declared, "Every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war in Ukraine." The extended waiver permits countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels until May 16, despite widespread sanctions imposed after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The U.S. administration has defended the move as a necessary measure to alleviate a global energy supply crunch, which has been exacerbated by recent conflicts in the Middle East. However, Zelensky countered by detailing the potential financial windfall for Russia, estimating that sales from over 110 tankers in its so-called "shadow fleet"—vessels with obscured ownership used to circumvent sanctions—could bring in approximately $10 billion.
"Their sale would bring $10 billion to Moscow's coffers as a resource that is directly converted into new strikes against Ukraine," Zelensky asserted.
He further highlighted the intensity of recent Russian attacks, noting that over the past week alone, Ukraine has endured more than 2,360 attack drones, over 1,320 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 60 missiles targeting cities and communities. This includes a devastating assault on April 15, described as the deadliest in months, which involved over 700 drones and missiles in a single night, resulting in at least 18 fatalities.
While Ukraine has also conducted strikes on Russian energy facilities, the conflict remains largely stalemated, with Russia controlling roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory. Efforts to negotiate an end to the war have been complicated by broader geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted key global oil transit routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
The extension of the sanctions waiver has drawn criticism from European allies as well, underscoring the complex balance between maintaining economic pressure on Russia and addressing global energy needs amid escalating regional conflicts.