Zelensky: Russia plans to exploit Iran situation to escape sanctions

The head of state announced this on Telegram following a report by Oleh Ivashchenko, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, according to Ukrinform.

"We are analyzing in detail the available data on the Russian leadership's intentions to take advantage of the situation surrounding Iran and the possible prolongation of the American military operation. In fact, this is Russia's main calculation right now – to increase the risks of a long war in the Middle East and the Gulf region in order to weaken international pressure on Russia over the war against Ukraine as much as possible, get out from under the sanctions imposed by its partners, and gain additional resources thanks to fluctuations in oil and gas prices," Zelensky emphasized.

According to him, there is information about Russia's intentions to discuss the complete lifting of sanctions on energy. “We are determining our countermeasures and will inform our partners,” the President said.

He also instructed intelligence services to work more actively to limit the potential of Russian military production.

As reported by Ukrinform, on March 9, oil prices rose by more than 25% and reached their highest level since mid-2022 due to reduced supplies from major producers and fears of prolonged disruptions to shipping amid escalating military action between the US, Israel, and Iran.

US President Donald Trump said that the United States is temporarily lifting some oil-related sanctions to ensure the stabilization of energy prices.

Photo: OP