Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sanctions
Volodymyr Zelenskyy views comprehensive international sanctions as a vital, non-military instrument for resisting Russian aggression and compelling an end to the war.
He has persistently called for wider and deeper sanctions, particularly targeting Russia's energy sector, which he noted was earning the Kremlin significant revenue even months into the full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy frames sanctions as necessary to create sufficient economic pain to force Moscow to negotiate an end to hostilities.
His position is one of consistent advocacy, urging allies to close loopholes and ensure that sanctions are fully implemented to achieve maximum impact against the Russian Federation's war machine and its supporting entities.
Context
As the President of Ukraine during a full-scale invasion, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has the authority and primary responsibility to direct Ukraine's engagement with international partners regarding measures against the aggressor state, Russia.
Sanctions are a cornerstone of the non-military response endorsed by NATO, the European Union, and other allies to cripple the Russian Federation's economy and its ability to sustain the war effort.
Timeline
- Following the full-scale invasion, Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an effort to rally Western nations to isolate Russia, implicitly through sanctions and other means.
- Criticized EU leaders for being too soft on Russia and specifically questioned why Russia could still earn nearly a billion euros daily from energy sales, indicating a direct call for energy-sector sanctions.
- Urged Russians to emigrate to avoid financing the war through their taxes, which aligns with the goal of economic pressure mechanisms like sanctions.
- Criticized countries that were helping Russia circumvent existing sanctions, labeling them as 'criminals,' which underscores the importance he places on their effectiveness.
- Zelenskyy welcomed new US sanctions specifically targeting Russia's largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil.
Actions Taken
- Public appeal for stricter energy sanctionsCalled on EU leaders to stop buying Russian energy, highlighting that Russia was earning nearly a billion euros daily from fossil fuel sales.
- Official endorsement of new sanctionsWelcomed the implementation of new US sanctions against Russia's major oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil.
Criticism
He criticized nations that actively help Russia circumvent existing sanctions, labeling them as 'criminals' for enabling the continuation of the conflict.