Zelenskyy Questions Trump’s Russia Sanctions Waiver, Says Lifting Restrictions Would Strengthen Putin

KYIV, October 23, 2026 (ANI): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised US President Donald Trump’s approach towards Russia, warning that lifting sanctions against Moscow would strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin and undermine efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

In an interview with CNN, Zelenskyy stressed the need for a ceasefire, a halt to the killings and strong security guarantees to prevent Russia from launching further attacks on Ukraine.

“We can stop the killings. We can freeze the conflict. The only thing that is important is the result,” Zelenskyy said, calling for a shift from military confrontation towards diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace.

He noted that Trump had initially proposed an unconditional ceasefire at the beginning of his term, an approach Ukraine supported but Russia rejected. Zelenskyy added that Kyiv had continued to support efforts to stop the fighting, while Russian attacks persisted.

The Ukrainian president said any ceasefire or freezing of the conflict must be accompanied by strong security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.

“The most important thing, not to give any chance for Russia, for Putin to come back to Ukraine and kill our people,” he said.

Zelenskyy Opposes Lifting Sanctions on Russia
Zelenskyy also expressed opposition to any move by Washington to ease sanctions against Moscow, arguing that the restrictions remain an important tool for limiting Russia’s ability to continue the war.

“My attitude to Putin is very clear. I think that if we lift sanctions, we will make him stronger,” he told CNN, adding that his position was not a personal dispute with Trump.

His remarks followed extensive talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg on Wednesday. Witkoff reportedly described Putin as a “humanitarian” following the release of 74-year-old American prisoner Stephen Hubbard.

The discussions have drawn attention to Washington’s approach towards Moscow as diplomatic efforts continue.

Earlier on Thursday, Zelenskyy accused Russia of continuing attacks on Ukrainian cities using ballistic missiles and cluster warheads.

His latest comments underline Kyiv’s position that any peace initiative must combine diplomatic engagement with meaningful security guarantees and continued pressure on Russia.