Zelensky speaks out against lifting sanctions on Russia before meeting of US, Ukraine and RF leaders

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has said he would not want all sanctions on Russia to be lifted before a possible meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, the US and the Russian Federation, since a premature cancellation of restrictions would deprive partners of leverage over Russia.

He said this in an interview with “TSN. Tyzhden” host Alla Mazur, which was published on Sunday evening.

“I would like to tell the Americans that I would not want us to approach the meeting of the three leaders, when it takes place – and it undoubtedly must take place – having lifted all sanctions from the Russian Federation. This is an important moment. Sanctions were imposed for aggression, not for the opportunity to chat,” Zelensky said.

He added that the lifting of sanctions on Russia should be tied to the end of the war, a diplomatic settlement, the reconstruction of Ukraine and the provision of security guarantees to it.

According to Zelensky, Russia could secure the lifting of sanctions in exchange for participating in a trilateral dialogue, while further developments would remain uncertain.

“Finding yourself without sanctions and in a trilateral dialogue, you may end up in a situation where it is not clear what will follow, and the sanctions have already been lifted. And who will have the strength that we had at the beginning of the war to impose all the sanctions anew, to unite people in such a way that there were 20-plus packages across the world. And that is why I treat this very cautiously,” the Ukrainian president explained.

The head of state noted that the American side listens to his arguments and understands Ukraine’s position.