Zelenskyy refines his statement concerning 'war lasting through June 2026'
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The Russian army will begin to feel the effects of Western sanctions around June 2026. However, there is a possibility to accelerate this impact, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
"We all understand that Russia's economy has started to feel the sanctions, but in reality, their army will begin to feel the impact only around June 2026 — and that’s a very long time for us. We don’t want the war to last that long, but it’s very difficult; no one wants years of war," the president stated.
He added that for Russia’s economy to feel the consequences sooner, new strong sanctions packages are needed to bring closer the reduction of financial support for the Russian army. This includes:
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sanctions against Russia's energy sector;
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sanctions on the supply of components used by Russia to manufacture long-range weapons, including drones and missiles;
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price caps on energy resources.
"And here, it's not just Europe that is needed — the 17th package helps, but it's not enough. We are really hoping the 18th package will be adopted, it is already being developed. And we desperately need a strong sanctions package from the United States," the president noted.
According to the president, in his view, there is currently nothing preventing the US Senate from supporting a new sanctions package against Russia.
"And then we will be able to bring closer the possibility of ending this war as soon as possible. Then their economy and Putin will feel it, the army will face a budget deficit — this is the only way, apart from diplomacy," he explained.
Zelenskyy's remarks about 'June 2026'
Today, May 28, during a conversation with journalists, President Zelenskyy stated that there is hope the war will end by June 2026. He specifically noted that by next summer, sanctions will hit the enemy particularly hard.
"Of course, we understand the analysis of many intelligence agencies, many countries, and analysts. June 2026 - we all hope there will be no more war," he said.
As explained by Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the Head of the President’s Office, this is not about a fixed deadline for the end of the war, but rather about a significant blow to the Russian economy — if the West dares to impose tougher sanctions.
