Zelenskyy hopes Trump will increase sanctions pressure on Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes that US President Donald Trump will increase sanctions pressure on the Russian side due to its strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities.
"I believe that we have reached the point of increasing the sanctions impact, because I believe that the Russians are violating what they promised America. At least what America told us publicly ... We very much hope that President Trump, he has all these relevant instruments to strengthen the sanctions disk on the Russian side," Zelenskyy told reporters during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
He added that monitoring the implementation of certain agreements is important here, but there is no monitoring process at a high level. The President noted that Ukraine almost daily transmits information to the USA at the level of various institutions about Russia's violation of agreements on strikes against energy.
"It is very important for us that there are strong steps. Words are not enough for us, with all due respect to our strategic partners. Sanctions are very important for us, because what we talked about with America, we are doing. What Russia agreed with America, they are not doing," the president emphasized.
According to him, Ukraine expects at least sanctions from the United States. "And then, if each of our parties keeps its promises and puts pressure on Russia by fulfilling its promises, then we will really be able to have a fair peace this year," Zelenskyy said.
US President Donald Trump said in a phone call with NBC News on Sunday, March 31, that if Russia fails to bring an agreement to end the bloodshed in Ukraine, the USA will impose secondary tariffs on all oil coming from Russia.