Zelenskyy Warns Russia Sanctions Relief Could Expand as Ukraine Seeks End to War
ISTANBUL, October 17, 2026 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Saturday that the United States could continue easing sanctions against Russia, describing a recent diesel agreement as only the “first step,” according to Interfax-Ukraine.
Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy said relaxing restrictions could make Russian President Vladimir Putin feel supported rather than encourage him to end the war in Ukraine.
His remarks followed US President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order suspending certain sanctions, restrictions and tariffs against Russia under the Graham Act.
Despite his concerns, Zelenskyy expressed hope that Trump would use his influence to stop Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and help bring the war to an end.
He said Ukrainian and American negotiators could meet as early as the coming week, reiterating Kyiv’s willingness to pursue diplomatic efforts.
According to Zelenskyy, Washington was developing a proposal for a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia. Potential venues included the G20 summit in the US, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia or a European country. However, he said neither Moscow nor Washington had confirmed the arrangements.
Zelenskyy Raises Concerns Over Starlink Restrictions
The Ukrainian president also addressed reports of restrictions affecting Starlink satellite internet terminals, saying connections in Ukraine were being interrupted when devices travelled at speeds above approximately 161 kilometres per hour.
He said the restrictions were affecting interceptor drones used against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones, as well as deliveries of food to isolated Ukrainian military positions.
Zelenskyy noted that tests conducted in some European countries had shown that Starlink connections remained active at speeds exceeding 180 kilometres per hour.
He said Ukrainian military officials, the Defence Ministry and diplomats were discussing the issue, but claimed SpaceX had not been engaging directly with the military.
Although some parties had described the problem as technical, Zelenskyy questioned why similar disruptions appeared to affect Ukraine but not countries within the European Union.
He added that European nations were examining alternative satellite communication systems after recognising that access to a US-based service could potentially be restricted.
Ukraine Seeks Guarantees Over Frozen Russian Assets
Zelenskyy said Kyiv had received information suggesting that Russia might attempt to recover some of its frozen assets through countries cooperating with Moscow.
He said he had discussed the matter with Belgium and European Union leaders, emphasising that the assets remained under European control and were considered secure.
The Ukrainian president also said European partners opposed the US-Russian diesel agreement and believed sanctions should remain in place while Russian attacks continued.
He added that efforts to prepare another package of sanctions against Russia were ongoing.
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