Kyiv urges allies to pressure Russia ahead of US talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on allies to maintain sanctions pressure on Russia ahead of the second day of talks between Ukrainian and US officials on ways to end the four-year war triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Russian representatives did not attend the talks that started in Florida over the weekend.
They were expected to attend the talks, which were originally scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi.
The US delegation is led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
On Sunday, Zelenskiy called for tougher measures against Russia’s so-called stay-behind fleet and the denial of Moscow’s oil revenues.
Zelenskiy told X: “The revenues give Russia a sense of immunity and the ability to continue the war. Therefore, the pressure must continue and the sanctions must work.”
“Russia’s shadow fleet should not feel unsafe in European waters or anywhere else. Tankers serving the war budget can be stopped and blocked, not just left alone.”
The French Navy last week seized an oil tanker in the western Mediterranean that President Emmanuel Macron said was part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to export oil despite Western sanctions.
The growing shadow fleet following Western sanctions against Russia aimed at restricting Moscow’s oil revenues has helped Russia maintain oil exports.
Elements of the peace plan promoted by the United States include territorial concessions as well as a presidential election in Ukraine.
As Washington pushes Kiev toward a peace deal, Zelenskiy, whose term has already expired, is under renewed pressure to vote for Trump.
Ukrainian law prohibits wartime elections, but Zelenskiy said Ukraine would be ready to hold democratic elections if the United States agreed to a two-month ceasefire to give time to prepare infrastructure and implement security guarantees.
But Ukraine’s former top general, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, who is now ambassador to Britain and is seen as a potential presidential candidate, said Ukraine did not need elections and that peace was won through war.
“What Ukraine needs is not time to prepare for and hold elections, but a peace won through war that will ensure a future for our children,” an article published Sunday by Ukrainian outlet NV said. he wrote.
