Zelenskyy opposes lifting Russia sanctions before trilateral talks
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he does not want sanctions against Russia lifted before or during a possible meeting with the leaders of Ukraine, the United States and Russia, while confirming his readiness to take part in it. He said sanctions should remain until the war ends, Ukraine is restored and security guarantees are provided.
Key points
- Zelenskyy rejected lifting all sanctions against Russia ahead of a possible trilateral leaders' meeting.
- He confirmed his readiness to attend a meeting involving the leaders of Ukraine, the United States and Russia.
- He said sanctions were imposed because of Russia's aggression, including border crossings, illegal occupation and killings.
- Zelenskyy warned that premature sanctions relief could deprive partners of leverage over the Kremlin.
- He said sanctions should be lifted only after the war ends, a diplomatic settlement is reached, Ukraine is restored and security guarantees are provided.
- Zelenskyy would travel to the G20 summit in Florida if talks with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin became possible.
- He had not received an invitation to the G20 summit at the time of his remarks.
Why it matters
Zelenskyy's position ties sanctions relief to the actual end of the war rather than to the prospect of negotiations alone. A trilateral meeting could affect efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement and future security arrangements for Ukraine. Premature sanctions relief could weaken international leverage over Moscow, while restoring sanctions later could require extensive global coordination.
What happened
Zelenskyy said he opposed removing sanctions against Russia before or during a possible meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, the United States and Russia, but remained ready to participate in talks aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement. He argued that sanctions respond to Russian aggression and should remain until the war ends, a diplomatic settlement is reached, Ukraine is restored and it receives security guarantees. He also said he would travel to the G20 summit in Florida if negotiations with Trump and Putin became possible, although he had not yet received an invitation.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage emphasizes that sanctions should not be removed merely to facilitate dialogue and presents them as leverage that partners should retain until the war ends. It also links any relief to Ukraine's restoration and security guarantees, while warning that restoring sanctions later would require extensive international coordination.
How international sources describe it
The European Commission said the EU would not lift any sanctions until Russia stopped the war, although the EU removed restrictions on two Russian oligarchs in September. The United States was reported as understanding Ukraine's position. Donald Trump also announced an agreement with Vladimir Putin to ease sanctions on Russian diesel imports until April 2027.
Background
The discussion took place alongside selective sanctions easing, including the removal of EU restrictions on two Russian oligarchs and reported US moves concerning Russian diesel imports. Sky News, citing a US representative, said a further round of talks between Ukrainian, American and Russian delegations could take place in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland.