The easing of US sanctions, in particular against the oil sector of the Russian Federation, directly affects the Kremlin’s ability to continue the war.
President Vladimir Zelensky in an interview with Le Monde said that between Ukraine and the United States there is a fundamental difference in the assessment of Russia’s intentions: Washington believes that Vladimir Putin is ready to end the war, while Kyiv is convinced of the opposite and insists on increasing pressure, informs the portal PromPolitInform.
“We do not see from Russia a sincere desire to end the war… The United States of America believes that Putin wants to end the war. Here we have completely different views,” Zelensky said.
According to him, Ukraine seeks an early end to the war, but believes that without additional pressure this cannot be achieved: “We know that Putin does not want to end the war. We’re asking for extra pressure to make him want to. And America believes that he wants, and for what extra pressure.”
On sanctions against the Russian Federation
The President stressed that the easing of sanctions, in particular against the oil sector of the Russian Federation, directly affects the Kremlin’s ability to continue the war:
“Why do we react so sensitively to the lifting of sanctions? Because it’s money. Money is not just tanks. No one fights with tanks anymore. Money is drones. Money is people. People are contracts.”
He added that Russia suffers significant losses – about 30-35 thousand people a month – and does not have time to compensate for them: “Russia does not have time to mobilize, sign contracts and certainly does not have time to train its people.”
At the same time, according to Zelensky, the Kremlin so far avoids large-scale mobilization and relies on contractors for big money.
According to the head of state, now the ratio of losses of Ukrainian and Russian military is about 1 to 8 in favor of Ukraine.
Separately, the president drew attention to the financial situation of the Russian Federation: “The budget deficit of the Russian Federation increased from year to year… At the end of 2025 – 83 billion, plus 19 postponed to 2026. The forecast was about $100 billion.”
At the same time, after the easing of sanctions, Russia’s revenues increased again: “Now, after the easing of sanctions… their earnings are measured in billions. This certainly does not help to reduce the intensity of hostilities.”
About the deficit in Ukraine
Zelensky stressed that for Ukraine the main problem now is the lack of funding: “Money is the most scarce thing. Our defense industry is half loaded.”
Because of this, Kyiv is ready not only to receive assistance, but also to sell its own developments to partners: “We are ready to sell those systems that are in surplus. And not only to sell – we will give an examination. Interceptor drones do not work without our expertise.”
The President also mentioned the critical importance of international financial support, in particular from the EU: “If these funds are not found, the Ukrainian army will be underfunded… This is a risk not only for Ukraine, but for all European security.”
He expressed hope that European partners will find a solution and provide the necessary funding. At the moment, the planned money for Ukraine is the EU VIZ – a loan of 90 billion euros – blocked because of the position of Hungary.
About Air Defense
Ukraine is expanding cooperation with the countries of the Middle East. According to the president, the United States and a number of states of the region turned to Kyiv: “Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait. We are already working with someone, our teams are in place.”
Ukrainian experts help to evaluate air defense systems and share experience in countering massive drone attacks: “No matter how many Patriot, THAAD there are, this is not enough. We need modern interceptors against dense drone strikes.”
In parallel, Kyiv is negotiating a mutual exchange of opportunities – in particular, the receipt of air defense missiles from partners: “We want these countries to give us the opportunity to also strengthen. They have missiles that we have a shortage of.”
Photo – t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official
