President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a loud statement regarding the recent actions of the Russian Federation in the context of international sanctions mechanisms, emphasizing that the Kremlin is actively working to weaken the international community’s efforts to limit its aggressive actions
According to the Ukrainian leader, intelligence data indicate that Russia is conducting an active campaign to negotiate the lifting of new sanctions and the easing of existing restrictions imposed on the aggressor country due to its illegal military aggression against Ukraine and a broad spectrum of foreign policy violations. During his address, Zelensky specifically highlighted that, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate and the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Russia plans to implement a comprehensive scheme of diplomatic and financial manipulations to achieve its goals. He stated that the Kremlin does not hide its intention to reduce the pressure from sanctions or even completely lift them, using a wide arsenal of tactical and strategic tools. His words make it clear that Moscow is actively employing diplomacy, economic pressure, and lobbying efforts in various regions of the world—from Europe to Asia and Africa—to persuade the global community to abandon support for sanctions measures. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine, in this ongoing struggle, continues to strengthen its diplomatic efforts and calls on international partners not to make compromises with the aggressor in this sphere. “We understand how and whom they are using in Europe and other parts of the world. We are countering this. I thank everyone who, despite all obstacles, supports the sanctions regime each day because it is a key tool for strengthening our common peace and security,” the president stated. His words also imply that Russia’s efforts to negotiate are not merely tactical moves on the diplomatic front but a strategic attempt to weaken the sanctions pressure and thereby create favorable conditions for further escalation of aggression in Ukraine and around it. In general, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine will continue to persistently fight for the preservation of sanctions policies and their increased effectiveness, as this tool remains one of the main means of deterring Russian aggression and ensuring long-term stability in the region and the world at large. **Ukraine is determined to resolutely oppose Kremlin’s efforts to weaken pressure and calls on the international community to stand united in this fight for justice and security.**