Sunday, March 15, 2026- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized the United States’ decision to grant a 30‑day waiver on sanctions targeting Russian oil, calling the move “not the right decision” and warning it could undermine efforts to pressure Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said the temporary easing could provide up to $10 billion in additional revenue to Russia, which he argued would be used to fund military operations rather than promote peace. He made the remarks during a press conference in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing that strengthening Russia’s financial position at this moment was counterproductive.
The waiver was introduced by the U.S. Treasury Department as part of efforts to mitigate global energy shortages and soaring oil prices caused by conflict in the Middle East, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The temporary authorization allows select Russian oil shipments that were stranded at sea to be sold despite sanctions, with the goal of easing market pressure and stabilizing supply. However, Zelenskyy and several European leaders argued that lifting sanctions even briefly could weaken the overall sanctions regime and diminish economic pressure on Moscow.
French President Macron stressed that broader sanctions on Russia remain in place despite the limited waiver. Critics of the U.S. decision, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, echoed Zelenskyy’s concerns, saying the waiver sends the wrong signal at a time when Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine and benefits from high global energy prices. The debate highlights growing tensions among Western allies over how to balance energy market stability with maintaining strong sanctions and pressure on Russia.
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