Zelenskyy: Kyiv heard the cost of permitting Russian diesel exports loudest
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: facebook.com_zelenskyy.official)
Russia counts on prolonging the war and continuing to terrorize civilians, using revenue from oil product exports to produce weapons and recruit mercenaries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The head of state noted that Russia's true intentions were clearest in Kyiv, where a ballistic missile attack followed massive strikes on energy facilities using jet-powered Shahed drones.
Air defense forces intercepted some of the missiles.
Russia spends every additional billion dollars earned from exports on sourcing critical components, acquiring weapons and equipment, improving drones, and producing missiles.
"Russia's choice is war. And they will be ready to end it only when they feel that their ability to drag the war out is diminishing," the president stressed.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia received signals the previous day suggesting it was permitted to launch further attacks, and this situation urgently needs to be corrected.
Ukraine needs strong decisions and support from the United States, Europe, and other partners to limit Russia's ability to wage war and terrorize civilians.
Notably, amid Washington's decision to allow Russian diesel fuel to enter global markets, experts have highlighted the diplomatic implications.
In particular, analysts note that these US moves have not been accompanied by reciprocal steps from Moscow.
Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russia has offered the United States no concessions on Ukraine in exchange for the diesel deal, despite agreements to ease restrictions.
As previously reported, the United States and Russia had agreed to supply diesel fuel to the global market under a temporary license issued by the US Treasury Department.
