Zelenskyy urges US to expand sanctions on Russian oil, seeks long-range missiles

Kyiv renews push for Tomahawk missiles amid intensifying winter attacks

October 25, 2025

Zelenskyy: Sanctions Are Working, Russia Feeling the Heat

Zelenskyy urges broader US sanctions to cripple Russia’s oil revenues

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that despite Moscow’s public attempts to downplay the effects of Western sanctions, the true picture of Russia’s economy reveals mounting strain as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year.

“Russia can signal to the world all it wants that sanctions supposedly don’t affect its economy, but everyone can see the truth,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X, underscoring that the sanctions continue to erode Moscow’s financial and industrial strength.

During a meeting in London on Friday, Zelenskyy urged the United States to expand its sanctions on Russian oil, pushing for restrictions that go beyond two firms to encompass the entire sector. He also renewed calls for long-range missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s defence and ability to target Russian military infrastructure.

Hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the London summit brought together more than two dozen European leaders to discuss ways to reinforce international support for Ukraine and deter future Russian aggression. The talks also centred on safeguarding Ukraine’s energy grid and improving its air defences against escalating Russian drone and missile attacks ahead of winter.

Addressing a press conference at the UK Foreign Office, Zelenskyy welcomed Washington’s latest round of sanctions as “a big step,” but added, “We have to apply pressure not only to Rosneft and Lukoil, but to all Russian oil companies.” He also noted Ukraine’s independent efforts, saying, “We are carrying out our own campaign of pressure with drones and missiles specifically targeting the Russian oil sector.”

Zelenskyy has called on Washington to provide Tomahawk missiles — a proposal reportedly under consideration by US President Donald Trump — as Kyiv continues to seek advanced weaponry to counter Russian advances.

Despite growing diplomatic and economic pressure, Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to enter peace talks, demanding territorial concessions that Kyiv has rejected. Western leaders have accused Moscow of exploiting loopholes to evade sanctions, diluting their overall impact.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “Putin has rejected the opportunity for talks once again, instead making ludicrous demands for Ukrainian land which he could not and has not taken by force. That is a complete non-starter.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte added that while Putin’s objectives remain unchanged, he “is running out of money, troops and ideas.”

The “Coalition of the Willing” meeting saw participation from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and around 20 other world leaders who joined virtually — signalling continued Western unity in support of Ukraine.

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