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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Europe to impose a complete ban on Russian energy imports and to tighten sanctions on Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet, warning that revenues from oil and gas continue to fund the war.
Speaking on Saturday, Zelenskyy insisted that every euro spent on Russian oil and gas is “directly” channelled into the conflict.
“Europe must stop importing any Russian oil and gas. All this money is spent by Russia directly on the war,” he said in a message posted on Telegram.
He argued that cutting off these earnings would strain Russia’s ability to sustain its military campaign. “If there is a shortage of money for the war, social support for people in Russia will decrease. If social support decreases, people will become dissatisfied. And the Russian leadership will be dissatisfied as well. History shows that Russia has always changed after hunger riots. And that is exactly what they fear,” Zelenskyy explained.
Acknowledging the logistical and financial challenges of ending Russian energy supplies, the Ukrainian leader said alternative arrangements might be costlier but were essential.
He voiced strong backing for the United States’ position and offered Ukraine’s help to Europe in finding solutions.
Zelenskyy also called for wider measures, including action against the shadow fleet that enables Russia to continue maritime exports.
“This must be part of a comprehensive solution: not only energy, but also the shadow fleet, and in principle, halting Russia’s ability to trade and export goods by sea. Shadow fleet, banking sector, energy—total sanctions are needed, without exceptions,” he added.
