Trending Now - Zelenskyy Criticizes US 30-day Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver

WHO:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

French President Emmanuel Macron

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

U.S. President Donald Trump

Group of Seven (G7) industrialized democracies

WHAT:

Zelenskyy criticized the U.S. 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions, stating it is “not the right decision.”

Zelenskyy claimed the waiver could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced a 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions to free up stranded cargoes and ease supply shortages.

Six members of the G7 expressed that the waiver is “not the right signal to send.”

Ukraine has received requests from six countries for drone combat assistance and has sent expert teams to three countries.

WHERE:

Paris, France

Norway

United States

Persian Gulf

WHEN:

The U.S. Treasury Department announced the waiver on March 12th, 2026.

Zelenskyy made his statements on March 13th, 2026.

G7 meeting occurred earlier in the week of March 12th, 2026.

WHY:

Zelenskyy believes lifting sanctions will strengthen Russia’s position and finance its military actions against Ukraine.

The waiver aims to address supply shortages caused by the Iran war.

HOW:

The U.S. waiver is described as “limited” and “taken on an exceptional basis” according to Macron.

Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready to share its expertise in deploying air defense systems to assist partners.

(UPDATED March 14, 2026 13:21 UTC)

In a significant development, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized the U.S. Treasury Department's recent 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions, arguing that it could provide Russia with about $10 billion to fund its war efforts. During a G7 meeting earlier this week, six members expressed their concern that the waiver sends the wrong signal, while Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's readiness to share its expertise in deploying air defense systems with partner nations. The waiver, announced on March 12, aims to alleviate supply shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran, but Macron described it as a limited measure taken on an exceptional basis.