Zelenskyy urges US to immediately strengthen sanctions against Russia

Zelenskyy made this statement during a conversation with journalist Fareed Zakaria at the Yalta European Strategy 2026 conference.

Zelenskyy emphasized that sanctions against Russia must be imposed now and must be strong enough to limit Moscow’s ability to finance the war against Ukraine on a daily basis.

The president also called on the U.S. Congress to support the sanctions bill authored by Senator Lindsey Graham.

At the same time, Zelenskyy noted that not only Congress’s decisions are important, but also the next steps taken by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ukraine is ready to respond to Russian attacks but seeks a diplomatic solution to the issue

Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is capable of responding to Russian military operations, particularly if Russia attacks Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this winter.

At the same time, Ukraine advocates a diplomatic path to ending the war. Among possible steps, he mentioned unblocking the Black Sea, reaching an energy truce, and continuing prisoner exchanges.

The president also stated that the protracted war creates problems not only for Ukraine and Russia but also for other countries around the world.

According to him, the blockade of the Black Sea threatens food exports. Ukraine will be able to provide food for its own population, but other countries may find themselves in a much more difficult situation due to food shortages. He compared the potential consequences to the crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, but in the context of agricultural exports.

The president added that even in the absence of a full-fledged peace agreement, the parties can work toward agreements on an energy truce and ensuring food security.

As a reminder, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote next week on a bill to tighten sanctions against Russia, which the Senate approved by an overwhelming majority last month.