Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on June 22 that he had received briefings from the Main Intelligence Directorate and the Foreign Intelligence Service regarding Russia’s current plans. In his evening address, the head of state outlined Moscow’s main goal – to achieve a relaxation of international sanctions.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Moscow’s attempts to influence sanctions pressure
Zelensky emphasized that the leadership of the Russian Federation is resorting to various methods not only to prevent the imposition of new restrictions but also to achieve a softening of existing sanctions. According to the president, Russia is trying to use influential figures in Europe and other regions of the world to promote its interests. Ukraine is actively countering these attempts and is grateful to everyone who supports the sanctions pressure on the aggressor.
“They are trying by all means to bargain for themselves not just the non-application of new sanctions but also the relaxation of existing ones. We understand how and whom they are using in Europe and other parts of the world. We are countering this. I thank everyone who, despite everything, promotes the sanctions agenda. Because this is the agenda for bringing peace closer.”
Kremlin’s plans and the economic consequences of sanctions
The president also noted that according to intelligence, Russia is preparing new military operations on the European continent. Zelensky stressed that sanctions are already causing significant losses to the Russian economy, proving the effectiveness of international pressure on the aggressor. According to the head of state, Ukraine will continue to do everything possible to reduce Russia’s potential and protect its citizens.
As reported by the president, the head of the GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, previously presented a report on the situation within the Russian Federation and its military-industrial complex. Ukrainian intelligence services have identified the main weaknesses of the aggressor state and plan to deliver targeted strikes to weaken Russia’s capabilities.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, speaking before the ambassadors of EU countries, called for increasing economic pressure on Russia. The European Commission, on June 10, presented proposals for a new, 18th package of sanctions, which includes a ban on transactions related to the “Nord Streams,” a ban on the import of petroleum products from Russian raw materials, and a reduction of the price cap on oil to $45 per barrel.