Zelensky Criticizes US Decision to Extend Sanctions Waiver for Russian Oil

Sun Apr 19 2026 13:55:22 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the US for extending a waiver that allows Russia to sell oil despite ongoing Western sanctions. This decision raises concerns about funding for Russia's military actions in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts in the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the US for extending a waiver allowing Russia to sell oil until May 16, arguing that funds from oil purchases will directly support Russia's war efforts against Ukraine. The US justifies the waiver as a measure to stabilize energy supplies affected by geopolitical tensions involving Iran. Zelensky's condemnation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine as it grapples with both Russian aggression and broader regional instability due to conflicts in the Middle East.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a US decision to extend the period during which Russia is allowed to sell oil despite Western sanctions.

The move means countries can purchase Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels at sea until 16 May.

The US argues that the waiver is meant to ease the energy supply crunch sparked by the US-Israel war with Iran.

But in his remarks on Sunday, Zelensky said every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war in Ukraine. Widespread sanctions have been in place against Russia since President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of its neighbour in February 2022.

The devastating US and Israel attacks against Iran have prompted it to retaliate not only against Israel and US military bases in the Gulf, but also against energy fatalities and other civilian sites across Arab allies of the US in the region.

Additionally, Iran has virtually shut the Strait of Hormuz - the narrow passage where some 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is usually transported through.

This has led to turmoil in energy markets, with fears that a world recession may ensue if it is not reopened soon.

The US move to ease Russian sanctions on 13 March was widely condemned by Zelensky as well as his European allies.

Extending the waiver on Friday, the US said it wanted to ensure oil is available to those ⁠who need it as negotiations to end the war accelerate.

The Ukrainian leader said Russia had more than 110 tankers from its shadow fleet - vessels with obscured ownership designed to help it bypass sanctions - with over 12 million tons of oil.

Their sale, he added, would bring $10bn (£7.4bn) to Moscow's coffers as a resource that is directly converted into new strikes against Ukraine.

But he added that just over the past week, Russia had launched over 2,360 attack drones, more than 1,320 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 60 missiles of various types at our cities and communities.

That included the deadliest attack against Ukraine in months on 15 April during which more than 700 drones and missiles were used in multiple waves in one night, killing at least 18 people.

Ukraine has also attacked Russia, particularly focusing on energy facilities.

However, despite ongoing attacks, a stalemate has been reached in the war in Ukraine, with Russia in control of about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Efforts led by the US to end the war have been put on hold as a result of the war in Iran.