Ukraine’s Zelensky Calls for Stronger Russia Sanctions as US Peace Talks Continue

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing allies to maintain economic pressure on Russia as Ukrainian and U.S. officials hold a second day of peace negotiations in Florida. The talks, led by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are exploring ways to end the four-year conflict that began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling on international allies to maintain strong economic sanctions against Russia as peace negotiations between Ukrainian and American officials entered their second day on Sunday.

The discussions are taking place in Florida, with the U.S. delegation headed by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. Russian officials are not participating in these latest negotiations, which were initially planned for Abu Dhabi and were expected to include Russian representatives.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has now stretched into its fourth year since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion.

On Sunday, Zelensky emphasized the need for continued international pressure, particularly targeting Russia’s oil revenue streams and what’s known as its “shadow fleet” of vessels used to circumvent Western sanctions.

“Revenues give Russia a sense of impunity and the ability to continue the war. That is why pressure must continue and sanctions must work,” Zelensky posted on X.

He further stated: “Russia’s shadow fleet must not feel safe in European waters or anywhere else. Tankers that serve the war budget can and must be stopped and blocked, not just let go.”

Zelensky’s comments came after France’s Navy intercepted an oil tanker in the Western Mediterranean last week. French President Emmanuel Macron identified the vessel as part of Russia’s shadow fleet, a network of ships Moscow uses to export oil despite international sanctions. This shadow fleet has expanded significantly following Western sanctions designed to limit Russia’s oil revenues, helping Moscow maintain its export operations.

The peace proposal being discussed by U.S. officials reportedly includes provisions for a presidential election in Ukraine along with potential territorial concessions. Zelensky, whose presidential term has already ended, faces increasing pressure from Trump’s administration to conduct elections as Washington works to broker a peace agreement.

While Ukrainian law prohibits elections during wartime, Zelensky has indicated Ukraine would be prepared to hold democratic elections if the United States could guarantee a two-month ceasefire. This would provide time to prepare election infrastructure and establish security measures.

However, Ukraine’s former top military commander, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, who now serves as ambassador to Britain and is viewed as a possible presidential contender, disagrees with the focus on elections.

“What Ukraine needs is not time to prepare for and hold elections, but a peace won through war, which will secure a future for our children,” Zaluzhnyi wrote in an article published Sunday by Ukrainian news outlet NV.

On Saturday, Zelensky had expressed willingness to continue negotiations if they could lead to a meaningful agreement to end the ongoing conflict.