Zelensky sees sanctions against Moscow as a priority

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging the international community to intensify sanctions against Russia, calling them a vital tool to curb Moscow’s war machine.

"Sanctions should now be one of the most important priorities - the world's sanctions against Russia," Zelensky said in his evening video address on Sunday.

The remarks followed his recent signing of a decree aligning Ukraine's sanctions policy with that of its international allies, including the European Union and G7. Zelensky also announced plans to adopt EU sanctions against Iran.

Despite the EU’s failure on Friday to approve its 18th sanctions package due to opposition from Slovakia, Zelensky called for a renewed effort.

Sanctions, he said, are something "that really limits Russia's strategic development opportunities, its potential,and should even more painfully limit Russia's ability to continue this war, the war against our independence, every day."

The EU sanctions are primarily directed against the Russian economy. They aim to deprive the country of the financial means to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Russia, on the other hand, often emphasizes that it has adapted its economy to the punitive measures. It is also circumventing the restrictions with the help of other countries and has significantly expanded its arms production.