US decision to partially ease sanctions on Russian oil can give Russia $10B – Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the U.S. decision to temporarily allow the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded onto ships will give Russia an additional $10 billion.

He stated this while speaking with journalists in Paris, according to a correspondent from Ukrinform.

"Against the backdrop of the U.S. decision to partially ease sanctions [on Russian oil] currently on tankers at sea, this single sanctions relief by America alone could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war," Zelensky said.

He emphasized that this certainly does not help peace. According to the president, even partial lifting of sanctions will strengthen Russia's position.

"It spends the money from the sale of energy resources on weapons, and all of that then flies against us," he said.

He also recalled that intelligence reports indicate that Russian drones are being used not only against Ukraine but also against neighbors of Iran, countries in the Middle East, as well as against Europeans and Americans whose forces are present at bases in the region.

"Lifting sanctions so that more drones later fly against you, in my opinion, is not the right decision," Zelensky concluded.

As Ukrinform previously reported, on March 10 German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that there are currently no grounds even to consider easing sanctions against Russia, and that events in the Middle East cannot serve as a reason to reduce pressure on the Kremlin or support for Ukraine.

At the same time, the United States Department of the Treasury issued a license allowing the sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products that had already been loaded onto ships. The license temporarily permits countries to purchase Russian oil currently "stuck at sea." The authorization will be in effect from March 12 to April 11.