Zelensky condemns US extension of Russian oil sanctions waiver

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the United States' decision to extend a waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil despite existing Western sanctions.

The waiver permits countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels at sea until May 16, 2026.

The US government stated that the waiver aims to ease the energy supply crunch caused by the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

This conflict has disrupted energy markets, particularly due to Iran's near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transport.

President Zelensky linked the revenues from Russian oil sales directly to funding the war in Ukraine.

He highlighted that more than 110 Russian tankers, part of a "shadow fleet" designed to bypass sanctions, are currently at sea carrying over 12 million tonnes of oil.

He estimated that these sales could bring approximately $10 billion to Moscow, resources he said are converted into military strikes against Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader also reported that in the past week, Russia launched over 2,360 attack drones, more than 1,320 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 60 missiles targeting Ukrainian cities and communities.

One of the deadliest attacks in recent months occurred on April 15, involving over 700 drones and missiles, resulting in at least 18 deaths.

The US initially introduced the waiver on March 13, 2026, to mitigate soaring energy prices amid the Middle East conflict.

However, the extension of this waiver has been widely condemned by Ukraine and its European allies.

Despite the ongoing conflict, a military stalemate has been reached between Ukraine and Russia.

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