Zelenskyy urges US to strike Russia with new sanctions
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (facebook.com_zelenskyy.official)
The US should impose sanctions on Russia immediately to strip it of the ability to fund the war against Ukraine on a daily basis. During wartime, it is better to make even an imperfect decision than to delay action, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Delayed decisions and the role of Congress
The head of state expressed frustration over delays in imposing critical restrictions on Russia.
In his view, economic and energy sanctions, as well as restrictions on the production of ballistic weapons in Russia, should be introduced without delay.
"Decisions on sanctions, economic and energy restrictions against Russia, and restrictions on the production of ballistic missiles and related weapons must be made immediately. What are we waiting for?" Zelenskyy stressed.
The president emphasized the importance of supporting US legislation, including initiatives of Senator Lindsey Graham.
Expectations from the US administration
The Ukrainian leader said a vote on the sanctions bill in Congress would be a historic moment for the United States because it would help defend shared values.
In addition to legislative measures, Ukraine is also counting on decisive action from the US executive branch.
"Strong decisions by the US presidential administration are also important. Personal decisions by President Trump. We very much hope for this," the head of state added.
Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and new sanctions
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly warned Russia that any blackouts in Ukraine would receive a symmetrical response.
According to him, Ukraine is ready to take reciprocal action if Russia launches new strikes on energy infrastructure during the cold season. At the same time, Kyiv is proposing a step-by-step negotiating process to end the war.
Meanwhile, pressure on Russia's economy has intensified in the US.
In particular, the US House of Representatives has moved closer to passing new "bone-crushing sanctions" against Russia, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham.
The relevant bill is expected to be considered and put to a vote next week.
