French media: Suspension of sanctions on Russian oil: Zelenskyy condemns the move as providing funding for Russia's "war of aggression" against Ukraine

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: "Every dollar paid for Russian oil is funding Moscow's war against Ukraine."

AFP in Kyiv — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned on Sunday the U.S. decision announced Friday to extend the suspension of sanctions on Russian oil, stating, "Every dollar paid for Russian oil is funding Moscow's war against Ukraine."

Following air strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, which triggered an energy crisis, the U.S. Treasury announced a suspension of sanctions on Russian crude oil, extending the suspension period to May 16, Friday.

Zelenskyy said on social media: "Due to the easing of sanctions, Russian oil loaded onto tankers 'can now be sold again without any consequences.' This amounts to $10 billion — funds that will directly translate into a new wave of airstrikes against Ukraine."

He added: "Just this week alone, Russia launched over 2,360 drone attacks, dropped more than 1,320 guided bombs, and fired nearly 60 missiles at Ukraine."

On Sunday, Bryzinsky, the head of administration of Chernihiv, a city in northern Ukraine, reported that the area was struck by Russian air raids overnight from Saturday to Sunday, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old boy and four people injured.

AFP noted that Washington's relaxation of sanctions covers all operations related to transporting and delivering Russian oil, including vessels belonging to Russia's previously sanctioned "ghost fleet."

The only restriction remains: transactions with Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and occupied regions of Ukraine including Crimea are still prohibited.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy added, "The aggressor's exports must be reduced, and Ukraine's long-range strikes continue to serve this goal." He referred to Kyiv’s increasingly frequent attacks on Russia’s oil and gas infrastructure in recent days.

Sources: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1862909301914632/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.