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Zelenskyy Warns US Decision on Russian Oil Could Bring $10 Billion to Russia’s War
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the United States’ decision to extend an exemption allowing the sale of already-loaded Russian oil shipments, warning that the move could generate billions of dollars for Russia’s war effort.
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According to Zelenskyy’s official statements published on April 19, the continuation of sanctions relief “does not correspond to the real situation in the war and diplomacy” and “feeds the illusion of the Russian leadership that the war can be continued.”
Zelenskyy said that over the past week—from April 13 to April 19—Russian forces launched more than 2,360 attack drones, over 1,320 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 60 missiles of various types against Ukrainian cities and communities.
The continued easing of sanctions against Russia does not reflect the real situation in the war or in diplomacy and fuels the Russian leadership’s illusion that they can continue the war. This week alone, the Russians have launched over 2,360 attack drones, more than 1,320 guided… pic.twitter.com/XmVz4e07Aq
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 19, 2026
“Each dollar for oil from Russia is money for the war. More than 110 tankers of Moscow’s ‘shadow fleet’ are currently at sea. On board is more than 12 million tons of Russian oil, which, thanks to the easing of sanctions, can again be sold without consequences. This is $10 billion—a resource that is directly converted into new strikes against Ukraine,” Zelenskyy stated.
He added that it is critical to stop Russian tankers rather than allow them to deliver oil to global ports, emphasizing the need to reduce Russia’s export capacity.
The remarks follow a decision by the US Treasury to issue a new license permitting the transportation and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products already loaded onto vessels. The move came shortly after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had indicated such a step would not be taken.
Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine continues to pursue what he described as “long-range sanctions” aimed at reducing Russia’s energy revenues, while thanking Ukrainian forces for their operational effectiveness and partners for maintaining pressure on Moscow.
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