Zelensky, 'lifting sanctions is weakness, Putin will repay diesel with terror'

Any easing of sanctions against Russia, in the absence of a clear and lasting de-escalation agreement, represents a clear weakness.

It plays into Russia's favor, allowing it to kill more, to prolong the war, to show even less respect for America, and to inflict even greater loss and damage on the world. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky writes this on X after the United States announced a temporary lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel following a phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. "Making concessions to Putin will bring no peace or any benefit to the civilized world. Russia will 'repay' the diesel with further terror and perfidy.

Allowing Russia to sell oil products is investing in a war that must end, not be prolonged.

What is needed is a real de-escalation with Russia, on a mutual basis,” he added.