Every billion Russia earns from oil exports will fund its war against Ukraine — Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned on October 10 that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products would provide Moscow with additional funds to continue its war against Ukraine. After suffering numerous attacks with jet-powered Shahed drones and a ballistic missile strike against energy facilities, Zelenskyy stated on Telegram that every additional billion dollars Russia earns from exports will be used to acquire and import crucial components, weapon production equipment, and upgrade Shahed drones.

He emphasized that Russia's objective is war, and they will only cease it when their capacity to prolong the conflict diminishes. The Ukrainian president demanded stronger signals from the United States, Europe, and other partners to restrict Russia's ability to wage war and terrorize civilians. On October 9, U.S. President Donald Trump struck a deal with Vladimir Putin to supply 300,000 to 3 million metric tons of Russian diesel fuel to U.S. and global markets, claiming it would help lower prices.

However, Zelenskyy criticized the U.S. decision as weak, arguing that Trump negotiated with Putin while Ukrainian and U.S. officials were in Miami for talks. The president considered easing sanctions against Russia an "obvious sign of weakness" benefiting Moscow.