Ukraine war: Zelensky criticizes suspension of US sanctions

Ukraine hoped that new US sanctions would increase pressure on Russia to end the war of aggression. Now head of state Zelenskyj is disappointed by a decision by the US President.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed disappointment over the suspension of new US sanctions against Russia. (Archive image) Photo: Michael Kappeler/dpa

Kyiv. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized US President Donald Trump's suspension of new US sanctions against Russia. An easing of pressure on Russia and financial rewards would only encourage Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin to continue his strike, Zelensky said in a post on Telegram. He complained that Trump had decided to take the step a day after Moscow carried out one of the most massive strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

“Russia is trying to cause a blackout in Ukraine just before winter,” Zelensky said. The country wants to deprive millions of people of electricity and heating. “We need pressure to stop this,” he demanded. Trump could also reinstate the sanctions law. “But it really has to take effect,” emphasized Zelensky.

Almost a month after signing a sanctions package against Russia, Trump put the tariffs on hold shortly before they came into force. Trump had previously agreed to supply diesel from Russia with Putin, regardless of existing sanctions, thereby drawing criticism from Zelensky.

Zelensky: Russians have expanded attacks on energy facilities

According to Zelenskyj, the Russians carried out one of the heaviest blows against the Ukrainian energy sector on Friday. “More than 15 key power generation and transmission facilities in different regions of Ukraine were attacked,” he said. Emergency services worked to repair the systems.

The energy supply in the capital Kiev, in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv and in other cities and areas is also affected by outages. “The Russians have expanded their operation against energy supplies and are trying to destroy our reserves and our recovery capability as much as possible,” Zelensky said.

Moscow used 320 rockets, cruise missiles and drones against energy plants, cities and communities. Not all flying objects were shot down. According to authorities, there were also dead and injured people. Hundreds of thousands of people were therefore without electricity or heating.

Zelenskyj repeatedly complains about a lack of anti-aircraft missiles. Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian war of aggression with Western help for more than four and a half years.