Zelensky warns that easing sanctions will allow Russia to finance the war

Easing restrictions opens new financial flows

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern during a European Council meeting about the consequences of a possible easing of sanctions pressure in Europe. In his view, such actions create the preconditions for additional funds to flow into the budget of the Russian Federation.

Assessment of the impact of the "diesel deal" on global markets

The head of state emphasised that the economic benefits from the so-called diesel deal will not serve as a compensator for global markets, which have suffered due to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. However, according to Zelensky, this agreement will provide Moscow with financial resources that will be directed towards supporting military operations.

«Ми попереджали, що якщо санкції послаблять будь-де у Європі, інші швидко — і ми це бачимо — скористаються цим. І зараз ми бачимо, як через дизельну угоду гроші знову почнуть надходити до Росії» (We warned that if sanctions are eased anywhere in Europe, others will quickly — and we are seeing this — take advantage of it. And now we see how, through the diesel deal, money will start flowing to Russia again), the president noted.

Direct financing of military operations

Zelensky added that the volumes of funds obtained thanks to this agreement are insufficient to eliminate the consequences of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz on the international energy market.

«Цього “дизель-ділу” ніколи не буде достатньо, щоб компенсувати вплив ситуації в Ормузькій протоці на світові ринки. Але вона принесе більше грошей безпосередньо в кишеню Путіна для фінансування цієї війни» (This "diesel deal" will never be enough to compensate for the impact of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz on global markets. But it will bring more money directly into Putin's pocket to finance this war), the Ukrainian leader concluded.