Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the world on Sunday to ramp up pressure on Russia through tougher sanctions and more military support for Kyiv, including long-range weapons to hit back harder.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Zelensky highlighted Russia’s intense attacks on Ukraine this week. “We are defending ourselves from Russian attacks almost every day,” he wrote. Russian forces launched more than 1,500 strike drones, over 1,280 guided aerial bombs, and 50 missiles of various types. What’s more, investigators found thousands of foreign parts in these weapons—over 132,000 components from countries like Europe, the US, China, Japan, and dozens more. These parts help Russia build weapons on a massive scale, fueling terror against Ukrainian people.
Zelensky warned that if the world doesn’t stop Russia now, it could spell trouble for Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. “Russia must feel the consequences of what it is doing,” he said. “Sufficient counteraction is needed to force them to seek peace. That can be achieved with adequate strength of our army, our long-range strike capabilities, and strong sanctions and pressure against Russia.”
He called on partners to close off all supply routes and sanction dodges, especially companies and countries aiding Moscow. Zelensky thanked those already helping and pushed for the European Union’s upcoming 19th sanctions package to hit hard, with the US joining in.
Just days earlier, on September 19, the EU took a big step by proposing its 19th round of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas said the measures target key areas propping up Russia’s war machine, like banks, energy, and military support. “Our sanctions bite. They have a visible impact on Russia’s public finances and economic growth,” she stated. “The European Union must reinforce these efforts collectively with its partners until peace is achieved.”
Key proposals include a full ban on transactions with Russian banks and financial institutions, even those in third countries. The package also aims to sanction big players dodging restrictions, add Russia’s credit card and fast payment systems to the list, and block investments in war-linked Russian economic zones. It calls out Chinese firms supporting Russia’s military industry too.
Kallas pushed for ending all Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by January 2027, removing exemptions for companies like Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, and targeting Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers—adding 118 new vessels and their enablers to sanctions.
These moves come as Ukraine battles ongoing Russian aggression, with Zelensky stressing the need for united global action to protect lives and push for peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.
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