Ukrainian Ambassador Urges Trump Administration to Reinstate Russian Oil Sanctions

Olga Stefanishyna warned that allowing Moscow to profit from the Middle East escalation fuels attacks on Ukraine and supports US adversaries. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Ukraine Ambassador to the United States Olha Stefanishyna speaks at the Ukraine Embassy in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026. (Photo by Maria DANILOVA / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Olha Stefanishyna called on President Donald Trump’s administration to reinstate sanctions on Russian oil and petroleum products, arguing that Moscow must not profit from the actions of its ally, Iran. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Stefanishyna emphasized that limiting the Kremlin’s funding is a shared interest for both Kyiv and Washington. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “Russia must not be allowed to profit from the actions of its ally Iran ,” she wrote, noting that the Russian representative has already characterized the recent US policy shift as “cooperation.” She warned that if Russia finds destabilization beneficial, “new problems in the world will not be long in coming.” 1/2 Russia must not be allowed to profit from the actions of its ally Iran. We urge the U.S. administration to reinstate sanctions on RU oil & petroleum products. It is in our common interest to limit the funding Russia uses for its attacks on Ukraine &for aiding U.S. adversaries The Ambassador’s appeal follows the US Treasury Department’s issuance of General License 134B. The waiver, released late Friday, allows transactions for Russian oil and petroleum products loaded on vessels as of April 17, 2026, to continue through May 16, 2026. This move has triggered a diplomatic and domestic backlash. Leading Senate Democrats, including Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren, described the reversal as “shameful,” particularly as it followed Russia’s largest aerial bombardment of Ukraine in 2025. Lawmakers and Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha , have expressed concern that the waiver provides Moscow with additional billions to fuel its “murderous war machine.” Other Topics of Interest ‘It Takes a Long Time to Build a Railway, So Truck Transport Became Very Important’ – Scania CEO In only one sentence Scania CEO Håkan Jyde summarized the logistic sector in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in 2022 and gave a hint why Ukraine now has more than 1,000 female truck drivers. The diplomatic tension is further heightened by a similar waiver for Iranian oil set to expire on April 19, 2026. Critics argue that easing pressure on Moscow while it provides intelligence to Tehran to target US troops sends a message of weakness. As of Sunday morning, the White House has not yet responded to the Ambassador’s call for a return to a stricter sanctions regime. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.