Ukraine war: Zelensky calls for more sanctions against Russia

Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky has called for more sanctions against Russia in response to “a new wave of terror” issued after Monday’s attacks on Ukraine.

Not less than 19 people were killed in the attack and many were also injured as the Russian missiles hit regions across the country.

Mr. Zelensky called on the West to consider new approaches to applying political pressure on Russia and support Ukraine.

According to Mr Zelensky , “For such a new wave of terror, there must be a new wave of responsibility for Russia – new sanctions, new forms of political pressure, and new forms of support for Ukraine.”

“The terrorist state must be deprived of even the thought that any wave of terror can bring it anything”, he added.

The call came right after Zelensky met the G7 group of nations for emergency virtual talks on Tuesday.

The bloc alliance, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, has promised a continued provision of “financial, humanitarian, military, diplomatic and legal” support to his country “for as long as it takes”.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin said the attacks were revenge for Saturday’s explosion on a key bridge linking Russia to Crimea.

Also Read: Zelensky Calls for ‘just Punishment’ for Russia

Western countries have placed widespread sanctions against Russian businesses as well as allies of President Putin since the invasion of Ukraine in February.

This includes removing major Russian banks from the international financial messaging system Swift and sanctioning more than 1,000 Russian individuals and businesses including oligarchs.

While the US has banned all Russian oil and gas imports, the EU has been reluctant to do so because it relies on Russia for about 40% of its gas needs.

Samuel Omowumi Racheal