Zelenskyy calls Diesel Deal a first step as Russia sanctions relief may continue
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Donald Trump’s decision not to impose new sanctions on Russia under the Graham Act could be followed by further sanctions relief. Zelenskyy argued that easing pressure would not stop Vladimir Putin and could instead be seen as support for his actions.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said easing pressure on Russia would not help end the war. He was responding to US President Donald Trump’s decision not to impose new sanctions on Russia under the Graham Act.
Zelenskyy called the Diesel Deal a first step and said he believed sanctions relief would continue. In his view, Vladimir Putin sees such a policy as support.
Zelenskyy also said neither restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to retaliate against Russian attacks that kill Ukrainians nor the lifting of sanctions would stop Putin. He expressed hope that Trump would do everything possible to end the killings, strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the war.
Negotiating teams in contact
Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s negotiating team was in contact with the US side on Friday. He said the sides were arranging a meeting and that he was willing to attend.
He said he had expected the US delegation to find an opportunity to come to Brussels, but it could not do so. Zelenskyy said he expected the sides to find a time and format for a meeting this week.
Earlier on Saturday, Zelenskyy said the Graham Act could still be used to pressure Russia despite Trump’s decision not to impose new restrictions under it for now.
On 16 October, Trump signed an executive order suspending certain sanctions, restrictions and tariffs on Russia provided for under the Graham Act. The White House said the decision was in the US national interest.
What we know
- Zelenskyy believes sanctions relief for Russia will continue after Trump chose not to impose new restrictions under the Graham Act.
- The Ukrainian president called the Diesel Deal a first step and said easing pressure would not stop Putin.
- Ukraine’s negotiating team contacted the US side on Friday, and Zelenskyy said he was willing to meet.
- Trump signed an order on 16 October suspending certain Russia-related sanctions, restrictions and tariffs under the Graham Act.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: Українська правда.
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