Zelenskyy urges Europe to ban Russian energy and target shadow sleet

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Europe to impose a complete halt on Russian oil and gas imports, arguing that energy revenues are directly fueling Moscow’s war effort.

“Europe must stop importing any Russian oil and gas. All this money is spent by Russia directly on the war,” Zelenskyy said Saturday in a message on Telegram. He emphasized that the funds are not being used for domestic welfare in Russia, but instead to sustain the invasion of Ukraine.

According to Zelenskyy, cutting off these revenues would weaken the Kremlin by triggering public dissatisfaction at home. “If social support decreases, people will become dissatisfied. And the Russian leadership will be dissatisfied as well. History shows: Russia has always changed after hunger riots. And that is exactly what they fear,” he said.

While acknowledging the potential costs of finding alternative supply routes, the Ukrainian leader insisted that Europe must pursue solutions and noted Kyiv’s readiness to assist. “On this, I fully support the U.S., and Ukraine is ready to help Europe,” he added.

Zelenskyy also pushed for wider measures, urging sanctions against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and restrictions on maritime trade. “This must be part of a comprehensive solution: not only energy, but also the shadow fleet, and in principle, halting Russia’s ability to trade and export goods by sea. Shadow fleet, banking sector, energy—total sanctions are needed, without exceptions,” he said.