President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused European companies of continuing to supply Russia with critical missile components that ultimately contribute to the killing of Ukrainian civilians. In a speech to the European Council on June 26, Zelensky called for stronger sanctions against Russia, including the 18th package, which targets the oil trade, shadow tanker fleets, Russian banks, and supply chains that enable weapon production. Zelensky urged the EU to remove the $30 oil price cap, arguing that high oil revenues fuel Russia’s military ambitions. He also highlighted the reluctance of some EU leaders, such as Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, to support more stringent sanctions, citing energy dependencies. Zelensky reiterated his call for the EU to recognize Ukraine’s progress in its accession bid to the bloc and warned that delays could undermine Europe’s credibility on the global stage.
Zelensky’s remarks were part of a broader appeal for the EU to expand and strengthen economic penalties on Russia. While the bloc reached an agreement in Brussels to extend current sectoral sanctions for another six months, it is still debating its proposed 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Zelensky urged the EU to pass “a truly strong” 18th package, targeting “Russia’s oil trade, its shadow tanker fleet, Russian banks and other financial instruments, and the supply chains that bring equipment or parts for making weapons.” The sanctions should not only penalize Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” vessels but also the tankers’ captains and the ports Russia uses to export oil, Zelensky said.
He also reiterated his call to drop the current oil price cap to $30 per barrel. “Russia’s military ambitions grow when its oil revenues are high,” he said. While Zelensky did not specify any particular EU leaders, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in June threatened to veto the 18th sanctions package, citing concerns over Slovakia’s reliance on Russia’s energy imports. Fico has emerged as one of the EU’s strongest supporters of Russia, alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban took aim against Kyiv at the Brussels summit by blocking a unanimous statement of support for Ukraine’s accession to the EU. All 26 other member states supported the statement, while Hungary was the sole opponent.
In his address to the Council, Zelensky urged the EU to send a clear signal of support for Ukraine’s European path. Ukraine has fulfilled its obligations in the accession process, the president argued, and deserves recognition of its progress. “Any delay by Europe at this point could create a global precedent and a reason to doubt Europe’s words and commitments,” he said. Zelensky also emphasized the complexities of the EU’s energy dependency on Russia, acknowledging Ukraine’s careful approach in maintaining its partnership with the bloc. “Yet, sadly, we don’t always feel this same understanding in return when it comes to Ukraine’s needs,” he said. “It feels especially strange to hear such strong criticism — even political pressure from some leaders — while our respect for EU rules allows oil to keep flowing.”