Zelenskyy Calls for More Pressure on Russia as Ceasefire Talks Emerge

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged world leaders to maintain economic pressure on Russia and restrict the revenues that Moscow uses to finance its war against Ukraine.

Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, September 23, Zelenskyy said Russia’s revenues should remain a target and called on countries to limit trade that he said helps sustain the war.

“When someone gives Russia more money through trade, they give this war more time,” Zelenskyy said, urging governments to continue efforts to reduce Moscow’s ability to generate revenue.

The Ukrainian president’s appeal came as the war entered its fifth year, with Russia and Ukraine continuing to exchange long-range missile and drone attacks despite diplomatic discussions aimed at reducing hostilities.

Zelenskyy has particularly focused on Russia’s energy revenues, as Ukraine has expanded attacks against Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities. Moscow, meanwhile, has continued strikes against Ukrainian energy, fuel and port infrastructure.

The Ukrainian leader has argued that sanctions and restrictions on Russian energy exports are necessary to reduce the resources available to Moscow for its military campaign. On Tuesday, he also raised concerns about reports of possible moves to ease sanctions against some Russian oligarchs, saying such steps would undermine international pressure on Russia.

His comments came as diplomatic efforts around a possible limited ceasefire gathered renewed attention. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was prepared to support a maritime truce in the Black Sea based on proposals from Egypt, India and Turkey, with the aim of restoring safe navigation and protecting agricultural exports.

He said Ukraine was waiting for Russia’s response and was prepared to take steps toward safer shipping if Moscow was also willing to take concrete measures to reduce tensions.

Energy infrastructure has also emerged as a potential area for a limited ceasefire. Zelenskyy said Ukraine would stop attacking Russian energy facilities if Russia stopped striking Ukraine’s electricity, heating and water systems.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio separately said Wednesday that both Russia and Ukraine had expressed interest in a limited ceasefire involving grain and energy. However, Russia has not publicly endorsed the proposed arrangements, and the Kremlin has said there are currently no conditions for broader peace negotiations while maintaining that Moscow remains open to talks.

The economic pressure campaign remains a central part of Ukraine’s strategy. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on countries that continue trading with Russia to reduce or end purchases that provide Moscow with income, particularly from energy exports.

The issue has consequences beyond the battlefield because Russia and Ukraine remain important suppliers of energy, grain and other commodities to international markets. The disruption caused by the war has contributed to concerns over food and energy security, particularly in countries dependent on Black Sea exports.

Zelenskyy’s UN appearance therefore combined calls for continued pressure on Russia with support for narrowly focused ceasefire initiatives. While Ukraine says it is prepared to discuss measures covering energy infrastructure and Black Sea shipping, there is still no comprehensive ceasefire agreement between Kyiv and Moscow.