Zelensky announced new steps in sanctions policy and emphasized the importance of mirror actions to end the war
On Tuesday evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a solemn address to the national and global public, drawing attention to further measures aimed at increasing pressure on Russia and its intermediaries. The head of state informed that the Ukrainian authorities are actively working on developing a new package of economic sanctions, which will primarily target entities and schemes in third countries that facilitate bypass routes to evade international restrictions imposed against the Russian Federation. According to Zelensky, these measures are a necessary response to recent attempts by Moscow to avoid sanctions pressure through hidden schemes and covert intermediaries. "We are preparing our sanctions packages – specifically targeting those entities and schemes in countries that, unfortunately, help Russia circumvent some of our sanctions," the president said in his evening address, emphasizing that combating material and financial evasive mechanisms is a priority for Ukraine in this information-economic war of aggression. Regarding the frontline situation, Zelensky also highlighted readiness to pursue diplomatic and military steps to cease military operations if Moscow confirms its commitment to peace negotiations and makes corresponding mirror steps. The head of state expressed his intention to initiate an immediate ceasefire process, as soon as Russian forces make a gesture of goodwill, in particular by ensuring stable and complete silence for at least 30 days. "We are ready to move as quickly as possible, perhaps starting today, to the process of ceasing fire if Russia is prepared to act mirror-like – guarantee complete silence for a prolonged period, at least 30 days. This is an honest and justified period for preparing further offensive and recovery steps, as a full ceasefire is the key to peace and stability," Zelensky stated. At the same time, he emphasized that Kyiv expects quick and concrete decisions from international partners regarding new forms of defense support, especially in military technology and resources, to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian invasion. Equally important for the country is the multi-vector preparation for post-war reconstruction of the region, which requires consultations and the identification of international investment and technical sources. The background to these current events is linked to information circulated by Reuters on May 3: among the most significant news was the report about the nearly complete work of American officials on a new sanctions package targeting Russia. According to this source, Washington plans to implement additional economic restrictions that will complicate Russia’s ability to bypass existing sanctions or create new schemes to preserve financial resources and technological capabilities. Thus, amid another wave of international sanctions and internal efforts toward peaceful settlement, Ukrainian authorities demonstrate a focused position: both diplomatically and economically, they are aiming to maximize pressure on the aggressor and restore justice. This reflects the country’s readiness to go all the way to bring peace and stability back to the region, to take every step towards strengthening defenses and countering Russian provocations.