Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the US and global allies to expand oil sanctions against Russia following fresh missile strikes on Kyiv. He demands tougher restrictions on all Russian oil companies and seeks long-range missiles to boost Ukraine’s defense.
In the latest escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the international community, particularly the United States and European Union, to intensify economic pressure on Moscow through expanded oil sanctions. His appeal comes after another wave of Russian missile attacks on Kyiv, which left at least eight civilians injured and renewed fears of further escalation in the protracted conflict.
The demand marks a renewed diplomatic push from Kyiv to tighten the economic noose around Russia’s energy sector, which remains one of Moscow’s key sources of revenue despite years of sanctions.
Zelensky’s Strong Appeal: “Hit Russia Where It Hurts Most”
In his nightly address to the Ukrainian people, President Zelensky emphasized that existing sanctions, while significant, are not sufficient to deter Russia’s war machinery. He called on Western nations to “hit Russia where it hurts most — in its oil and energy exports.”
Zelensky said, “It is time to stop limiting sanctions to a few companies. Every Russian oil producer, exporter, and intermediary must face restrictions. Only then can we cut off the financial lifeline fueling Russia’s aggression.”
The Ukrainian leader’s appeal follows reports that Russia continues to export large volumes of crude oil through third-party intermediaries and countries not participating in Western sanctions. This trade has helped Moscow stabilize its economy and fund its military operations despite heavy losses on the battlefield.
The Push for Expanded Oil Sanctions
Zelensky’s latest diplomatic move focuses on closing the loopholes that have allowed Russian oil to circumvent global restrictions. Western nations, led by the US, UK, and EU, have already imposed a price cap on Russian crude and banned most direct imports. However, enforcement has proven challenging.
Several countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East continue to purchase discounted Russian oil, providing Moscow with a vital economic cushion. Experts estimate that oil revenues account for nearly 40% of Russia’s federal budget, much of which is diverted toward sustaining the war effort.
Zelensky argues that partial sanctions are no longer enough and that a complete ban on Russian energy companies — including subsidiaries, intermediaries, and transport firms — is necessary to bring real economic pain to the Kremlin.
He also urged the G7 nations to coordinate tighter monitoring mechanisms and penalties for sanction violations, warning that “every barrel of Russian oil sold abroad translates into new missiles fired at Ukrainian cities.”
Calls for Long-Range Missiles and Stronger Defense Support
Alongside his economic appeal, Zelensky once again pressed for advanced military aid, including long-range missile systems, to counter Russia’s growing offensive capabilities.
Kyiv has long requested ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles from the United States, capable of striking targets up to 300 kilometers away. These weapons would allow Ukraine to hit Russian command centers, ammunition depots, and airbases located deep behind enemy lines.
So far, Western allies have provided shorter-range systems and air defense platforms such as the Patriot missiles and HIMARS launchers, but have hesitated to send longer-range systems for fear of escalating the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders.
In his speech, Zelensky said, “Defending freedom requires the tools to fight back effectively. Long-range precision weapons are not an escalation — they are a necessity.”
Renewed Russian Attacks on Kyiv
The latest Russian assault on Kyiv was one of several airstrikes carried out across Ukraine this week. According to Ukrainian defense officials, Russian forces launched dozens of drones and cruise missiles, many targeting civilian and energy infrastructure.
Local emergency services reported that eight people were injured and multiple residential buildings were damaged after fragments from intercepted missiles fell over the city. Power outages were also reported in parts of central Ukraine following the strikes.
Ukrainian Air Force officials said that over 70% of the incoming threats were successfully intercepted, showcasing the effectiveness of the country’s modernized air defense network.
Nonetheless, these attacks serve as a grim reminder that the war remains far from over, even as both sides prepare for what analysts call a “winter of attrition.”
Global Response and Political Reactions
The White House and European Union have acknowledged Zelensky’s appeal but have not yet announced any new measures. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington is “closely reviewing potential steps” to tighten existing sanctions and close evasion pathways.
Meanwhile, Russia has dismissed Zelensky’s calls as “propaganda” and warned that any additional sanctions or long-range weapons deliveries would be seen as “acts of hostility.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused the West of “economic terrorism” and claimed that sanctions have “failed to weaken Russia’s strategic stability.”
Despite Moscow’s defiance, Western intelligence assessments suggest that Russia’s economy is showing signs of fatigue. Declining oil revenue, a weakened ruble, and growing domestic unrest point to the mounting cost of sustaining the war.
Analyst View: Sanctions and the Battlefield Are Now Interlinked
Experts believe Zelensky’s twin strategy — combining economic pressure with military strengthening — is aimed at creating a two-front squeeze on Russia.
Dr. Helena Morris, an analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said:
“Zelensky understands that every economic sanction weakens Russia’s ability to sustain its war. But sanctions alone cannot end the conflict — they must be paired with stronger defense capabilities to deter further aggression.”
She added that enforcing full oil sanctions would require greater global cooperation, particularly from India, China, and Middle Eastern buyers, who continue to purchase Russian crude at discounted rates.
Humanitarian and Civilian Impact
While diplomatic debates continue, ordinary Ukrainians remain trapped in the middle of the conflict. Millions have fled their homes, and those remaining endure daily air raid sirens, electricity shortages, and inflation.
The United Nations reports that over 10,000 civilians have been killed since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, with many more injured or displaced. Aid organizations warn that another harsh winter could deepen the humanitarian crisis unless international support is sustained.
Conclusion: A War That Still Defines Global Politics
As the Russia-Ukraine war enters another winter, President Zelensky’s plea reflects both desperation and determination. His call for tougher oil sanctions and advanced weaponry underscores Ukraine’s belief that only maximum pressure can bring Moscow to the negotiating table.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Western allies are willing to go further — both economically and militarily — in supporting Kyiv’s fight for sovereignty.
Until then, as missiles continue to fall on Ukrainian cities, the battle for global resolve remains as crucial as the one being fought on the ground.