Zelensky grew alarmed by the possible lifting of sanctions on Russia and the shipment of weapons to Iran

If sanctions against Russia continue to be lifted, it will bring Moscow serious financial benefits.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with NBC News.

According to Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin is allegedly hoping for a “long war in the Middle East,” since the conflict benefits Russia, and the easing of U.S. sanctions on Russian oil significantly boosts the Russian budget.

“[Putin] benefits, benefits greatly from this war. If sanctions are lifted, [Putin] will get more money, much more money, and he will direct that money toward armaments,” he said.

Zelensky also stressed that he is concerned that the conflict with Iran could lead to American weapons being redirected from Ukraine to the Middle East, even though those deliveries are crucial for Kyiv.

“I am very concerned. I hope the United States will not make such mistakes,” Zelensky said.

In March, the United States temporarily exempted Russian oil and petroleum products from sanctions if they had been loaded onto tankers before March 12. That authorization will remain in effect until April 11. Restrictions remain in place for new shipments and for operations linked to Iran.

On March 17, Bloomberg reported that sanctions on Russian oil could be eased even further if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.

At the same time, on March 26, Trump decided to extend sanctions against Russia.

In addition, on March 26, The Washington Post wrote that Washington is considering redirecting weapons intended for Ukraine to the Middle East. Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, later stressed that the United States had promised Kyiv it would not do so.