President Volodymyr Zelensky reported ongoing conversations regarding potential
new sanctions against Russia,referring to them as “hellish sanctions.” These
discussions are timed with the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada, scheduled for
June 15-17.

zelensky is particularly interested in engaging with former President Donald
Trump to discuss a sanctions package proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyjiv with German Defense Minister
Boris Pistor, President Zelensky addressed his potential attendance at the
G7 and NATO leaders’ meetings this month. “Much depends on what is happening
in Ukraine and what is happening on the battlefield,” zelensky stated. “No
matter how tough the situation is, today we have the chance to
attend the relevant summit meetings. First of all, I thank the soldiers and
all the people who work to strengthen our army.”

Sanctions and Support Top G7 Agenda

President Zelensky emphasized the critical importance of sanctions policy as a
key topic for the G7 meeting. “obviously we are very close to important
decisions on sanctions,” he noted. “And only through dialog can we achieve
an understanding from all countries that determine the implementation of a
strong step of sanctions to stop or reduce Putin’s warfare.”

“Obviously we are very close to important decisions on sanctions.”

In addition to sanctions, Zelensky highlighted the need for continued support
for Ukraine. “Second – support for Ukraine. Not to stop help. This is also
very important,” he stated. He also stressed the importance of decisions
regarding the financing of Ukraine’s reconstruction. “And during the war,
people have to work, and logistics are simple things to keep the country
living,” Zelensky added.

He reminded attendees that funding decisions were previously made for 2025.
“And now we have to think about what will happen next year,” the President
said. He also mentioned that it was premature to discuss the agenda for the
upcoming NATO Summit in Hague.

“Hellish sanctions” Package Awaits Approval

President Zelensky addressed the timeline for the potential adoption of
legislation proposed by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal,
which outlines new “hellish” sanctions against Russia and countries
purchasing Russian oil.

“This package of Graham and Blumenthal’s sanctions is very important to us.
We discussed its details. They look at it very favorably. And we’re really
grateful to them,” Zelensky stated.

However, he clarified that “the final decision is owned by the White House.
It depends on the President of the United States. I hope we will have a
conversation at the G7 meeting (President Donald Trump).”

Zelensky concluded by expressing his hope for clarity on the sanctions
decision timeline. “And I very much hope that if the relevant decisions are
up to that time, at least I will have an understanding of how close we are
to this decision. It is indeed critically important that there is coordination with the
European Union countries and the unified attitude of the sanctions packages.
I think this is already a step forward,” Zelensky emphasized.