Zelenskyy and Biden Discuss US Sanctions on Russia, Wildfires, and Battlefield Updates

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with US President Joe Biden in a phone call on January 10.

President Zelenskyy extended condolences for the wildfires in California that have claimed lives and commended the bravery of Americans working to save lives and contain the fires.

He also expressed gratitude for the United States' continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its leadership in uniting the international community. Zelenskyy emphasized that these efforts have helped build a global coalition defending freedom and the principles of international peace and security.

The leaders discussed details of a new US sanctions package targeting Russian energy, which Zelenskyy said is a key source of funding for the Russian leader's war efforts. He noted that the sanctions specifically target Russia’s shadow tanker fleet and companies like ‘Gazprom Neft’ and ‘Surgutneftegas,’ which channel funds to the Kremlin.

Zelenskyy thanked the United States, including both parties and chambers of Congress, for maintaining strong pressure on Russia over what he described as its unprovoked and criminal aggression against Ukraine and its people.

The two also reviewed battlefield developments, highlighting the urgent need to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses to protect civilians in towns and villages from Russian missile and drone strikes.

President Biden reaffirmed that safeguarding Ukraine’s independence is vital not only for Europe but also for the broader democratic world.

Earlier on January 10, the United Kingdom joined the US in sanctioning Russian oil giants Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, the key players in Russia’s energy sector. According to UK officials, targeting Russia’s oil income is essential to undermining its ability to sustain military aggression.