Zelenskyy warned against lifting sanctions against Russia in exchange for a ceasefire

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Kremlin may demand the lifting of international sanctions—specifically, the reinstatement of banks to the SWIFT system—as a condition for a ceasefire. According to the head of state, such a scenario carries significant risks, as Russia is attempting to use the diplomatic lull to resume operations at its enterprises and in its banking sector. 

Bloomberg reported this, citing the president’s appeal to the U.S. and Europe not to give in to Moscow’s attempts to ease economic pressure.

Ukraine is currently awaiting signals regarding a possible resumption of peace talks, but no official proposals have yet been received from Russia or the U.S. The head of state emphasized that maintaining the sanctions policy is critical, as the aggressor seeks to negotiate a relaxation of restrictions without taking concrete steps to end the war. Further developments and the intensification of the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts will largely depend on the stabilization of the situation in the Middle East.

Despite the absence of direct peace talks, the parties continue to cooperate on prisoner exchanges, where some progress has been made. At the same time, Zelenskyy emphasized that any tactical ceasefire aimed solely at lifting sanctions on Russian assets would not contribute to establishing lasting peace. Ukraine insists on maintaining complete economic isolation of Russia until security is fully restored, so as not to allow the enemy to strengthen its financial and military capabilities.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin informed U.S. President Donald Trump of his readiness to declare a temporary ceasefire for the period of the so-called “Victory Day.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy considers the idea of a short-term ceasefire to be a tactical trap set by the Kremlin, aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of a military parade in Moscow.