Zelenskyy sees US sanctions as path to breakthrough in war's end
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted a factor that could significantly influence the end of the war — economic pressure on Russia through sanctions. He believes this could lead to social changes within the aggressor country, Zelenskyy said in an interview with the New York Post.
According to Zelenskyy, many Russians do not understand the purpose of the war and privately oppose it, but they are afraid to speak out because they "are not free" like the Western world.
"They're afraid that they're either going to have their money taken away or they're going to be thrown in jail [if they speak out now,]" the president explained.
At the same time, he noted that the situation could change when Russians begin to feel the economic consequences.
"But when people … are fired from their jobs because there are layoffs because the employer cannot stand it and everything is shrinking because of the economy — then there is always a social explosion," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He stressed that economic pressure can weaken the Kremlin's ability to continue the war, and added that US President Donald Trump could play a key role in this strategy.
"We would certainly like to speed up this process," the head of state noted.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is ready to provide Trump with "more information, more arguments for strong sanctions against Russia."
Trump gives Putin 50 days for peace deal
Recently, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration with the Russian president over the lack of progress in peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump said he had expected an agreement to be reached two months ago, but that still hasn't happened. In response to the delays, he threatened Russia with tough economic measures.
The American leader stated that if no agreement is reached within 50 days, Washington will impose secondary tariffs at a rate of 100 — emphasizing that this will be done without any exceptions.
Recently, Head of the Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak stated that President Donald Trump could bring the war in Ukraine to an end by the end of 2025.
What will happen to Putin after the 50-day deadline? Read more in the full RBC‑Ukraine report.
