The Ukrainian World Congress deplores the decision to grant sanctions relief to Russia at a moment when the Kremlin is actively enabling violence against the United States, its allies, and democratic nations around the world.
Sanctions relief delivered no benefit to Americans
The easing of sanctions on Russian oil provided no relief to American consumers. U.S. gasoline prices did not decline following the decision, while global oil markets remained driven by instability in the Middle East and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The policy failed to address the real drivers of energy prices and delivered no economic benefit to families in the United States.
Billions flowed to the Kremlin
Instead, sanctions relief allowed Russia to earn approximately $10 billion in additional revenue. Those funds directly strengthen Russia’s capacity to wage war against Ukraine and to finance sabotage and political manipulation in Europe. They also reinforce Russia’s growing alignment with hostile authoritarian regimes including Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and North Korea.
Russia is enabling attacks that kill Americans
Credible reporting confirms that Russia has provided intelligence and military support to Iran, including targeting information related to U.S. forces and allied assets. Iranian missile and drone attacks, enabled by this assistance, have already cost the lives of American service members and injured many others, while placing U.S. allies at grave risk.
This is not theoretical harm. This is direct, lethal consequence.
No сoncessions. No de‑escalation. No results.
The sanctions relief delivered no political or security concessions from Russia. There was no ceasefire in Ukraine. There was no effort to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. There was no reduction in global instability. Instead, the decision weakened Western leverage while emboldening a regime that continues to act with impunity.
Statement from Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress
“Every dollar allowed to flow to the Kremlin today becomes a weapon tomorrow. Russia is not seeking peace. It is financing war in Ukraine, destabilization in Europe, and now providing intelligence and weapons that have helped kill Americans and endanger U.S. allies. Sanctions relief does not buy stability. It buys more aggression.”
Call to action
The Ukrainian World Congress calls for the immediate termination of any and all sanctions relief for Russia.
We urge the United States and its allies to significantly ramp up sanctions on Russia in response to its provision of intelligence, weapons, and operational support to Iran, actions that have directly contributed to the deaths of American service members and allies.
There must be no rewards for aggression. There must be no financing of those who enable violence against democracies. The only path to security is firm accountability and decisive economic pressure on the Kremlin.
Photo: Canva.com
