Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a press conference after a meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing”. Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/Pool AP/dpa
Keystone
Following US and British sanctions against the Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has urged an extension of the punitive measures. “We must exert pressure on all Russian oil companies such as Surgutneftegaz and others,” he said at a press conference following consultations of the so-called coalition of the willing in London.
Punitive measures should also affect Russia’s oil terminals and the tankers of the Russian “shadow fleet”, demanded Selenskyj. Ukraine, for its part, is already increasing the pressure by attacking the Russian energy sector with drones and missiles.
At the same time, Selensky renewed his request to his country’s allies for the delivery of new long-range weapons. “Far-reaching capabilities (of Ukraine) strengthen diplomacy,” said the head of state. The more losses Russia suffers on its own territory, the more willing Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is to engage in “meaningful diplomacy”.
The “coalition of the willing” led by Great Britain and France is committed to supporting Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia over three and a half years ago.