On October 9, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his outrage over the US decision to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel fuel. He noted that this decision could lead to further terror from Russia and called for increased pressure on the Kremlin.
Zelensky's Statements on Terror from Russia
Zelensky emphasized that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is essentially an investment in the continuation of the war. According to him, just this week, Russian attacks have resulted in the deaths of dozens of Ukrainians and injuries to hundreds more. He pointed out:
- A Russian missile strike on a building in Priluky.
- Air bombs in Kramatorsk, which hit ordinary city buses.
- Constant shelling of energy facilities in Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Odesa.
In the president's view, Russia compensates for its failures on the front with terror, as this year it is weaker than ever before. He urged the US not to ease sanctions without clear agreements on de-escalation of the conflict.
The Need for Strong Sanctions
Zelensky also stressed the importance of adhering to sanctions under the Lindsey Graham law, which should form the basis for supporting Ukraine. He emphasized that any easing of sanctions without long-term agreements would be perceived as weakness, leading to even greater aggression from Russia:
- Russia will kill more.
- It will fight longer.
- It will respect the US less.
- It will cause even greater losses to the world.
The President of Ukraine also noted that his country is ready for reciprocal de-escalation steps if Russia stops its attacks on Ukrainian energy.
Reactions from the International Community
Zelensky expressed gratitude to the bipartisan delegation of the US Congress for their visit to Ukraine during this difficult time. He emphasized that peace is only possible with a strong position from the international community regarding Russia. The president called for decisive actions to stop the Kremlin's aggression and ensure Ukraine's security.