“Russia will get money for its war machine and there are a lot of drones that are built on Russian soil to destabilize the Middle East,” he added.
The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks against American allies in the Gulf have halted transit in the Strait of Hormuz, driving up energy prices. To bring down prices, Washington has temporarily allowed the sale of oil from Russia that is currently at sea, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.
Earlier Friday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that the decision was “wrong” and would help Moscow replenish its war chest. Zelenskyy also said the easing of sanctions would not “help peace.”
In Paris, Macron echoed that frustration with Washington and said prices rising “doesn’t mean we should review our sanctions policies against Russia.”
“It’s the position of the G7 and it’s obviously ours,” he added.
Zelenskyy was in Paris on Friday for a visit designed to show support for Ukraine despite international focus shifting to the Middle East.
The two leaders were also to discuss the Hungarian and Slovakian opposition to finalizing a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, ahead of a European Council summit next week.
“Russia is receiving new resources because of the destabilization, Ukraine must receive what has been promised,” said Zelenskyy.