Zelensky: European Sanctions Affect Russia but Do Not Stop the War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with the British newspaper the Financial Times that sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) are having an effect on Russia, but are not enough to compel Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end the war against Ukraine. He also discussed how far Ukraine and Europe could act without help from the United States.

Dependence on Russian energy

Zelensky pointed to European dependence as a core problem: part of the continent's energy supply still comes from Russia. In his view, the question of whether Europe can act without America is very hard to answer today. Fighting and staying strong is possible if Europe is united, he said, but the issue is what that unity really means.

He acknowledged that Europe backs Ukraine on many matters, yet unity is lacking in some respects. Some countries are not ready to introduce an oil embargo on Russia, while others are unwilling to impose sanctions on Russian nuclear energy companies.

Hybrid war and security risks

Zelensky stressed that Europe urgently needs to become strong and united, because there are risks not linked to Ukraine alone. He cited the use of drones against Romania, Moldova, Germany, Poland and Bulgaria, calling it hybrid war, or hybrid operations. He said such cases are still not numerous, but the situation could change quickly.

Latest EU sanctions

On 12 October the EU approved a record sanctions package targeting the "core" of Russia's military industry. The restrictions apply to roughly 1,600 Russian legal entities and individuals.