The key facts

  • Trump signed an order suspending part of the sanctions and tariffs against Russia under the Graham law
  • Zelensky believes that easing sanctions will give Putin a 'sense of support' rather than push him to end the war
  • The US is working on a trilateral meeting of Ukraine, the US, and Russia; possible venues include the G20 summit, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or a European country

Sanctions easing may continue

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday, according to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, that the easing of American sanctions against Russia may continue, and the recent diesel deal is merely a 'first step.' His comment came after US President Donald Trump signed an order suspending a number of sanctions, restrictions, and tariffs against Russia provided for under the Graham law. In Zelensky's view, easing sanctions will give Russian President Vladimir Putin a sense of support rather than push him to end the war. At the same time, he expressed hope that Trump 'will do everything in his power' to stop strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and end the war.

Talks and a possible trilateral meeting

Zelensky said that Ukrainian and American negotiators may meet as early as this week, emphasizing Kyiv's commitment to the negotiation process. According to him, Washington is working on a proposal for a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia. Among possible venues, he named the G20 summit in the US, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, or a European country. No confirmation has yet been received from Moscow or Washington.

Starlink restrictions

Addressing reports about Starlink restrictions, Zelensky said that terminals in Ukraine shut down at speeds above roughly 161 km/h, which hampers the operation of interceptor drones against Russian jet-powered 'Shaheds' and the delivery of food to isolated Ukrainian positions. According to him, tests in some European countries showed that connectivity is maintained at speeds above 180 km/h. The military, the Defense Ministry, and diplomats are involved in the discussions, but SpaceX, he noted, does not engage with the military. 'At various levels it is claimed that these are technical problems. However, these technical problems exist in Ukraine but do not arise on EU territory,' Zelensky said. He added that European countries are studying alternatives to Starlink, having realized that access from the US may be restricted.

Frozen assets and Europe's position

Speaking about frozen Russian assets, Zelensky said that Kyiv has information about possible attempts by Moscow to recover some assets through partner countries. He discussed this risk with Belgium and EU leaders, adding that the assets remain under European control and are safe. According to him, European partners opposed the US-Russia diesel deal and agreed that sanctions should remain in place while Russia continues its attacks; work is also underway on a new sanctions package.