Ukrainian President Calls for 'Total' Sanctions on Russia's Energy Sector

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday urged the United States and European nations to deport Russian elitists who support Moscow’s war effort, urging what he described as “total" sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, including nuclear power. In a post on X, the Ukrainian President said that rich relatives of Russian officials must return home from European countries since they lack “respect" for anyone. He also praised US President Donald Trump for what he called decisive action in imposing sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft, adding that restrictions should extend to the entirety of Russia’s energy sector. “Total sanctions means total. President Trump took strong steps sanctioning Lukoil and Rosneft. We are thankful to him. He can sanction all of their energy, in particular nuclear energy. And it will be a powerful message to the Europeans," he said in a post on X. Zelenskyy said European countries have imposed significant penalties on Moscow but argued they have stopped short of targeting Russia’s nuclear energy sector, particularly state nuclear firm Rosatom. Zelenskyy also criticised what he described as the continued presence of wealthy relatives of sanctioned Russian officials in Western countries. He alleged that profits from Russian energy companies are being used to fund education at European universities and to purchase property abroad. “Europeans have done a lot. But they haven’t yet sanctioned Russian nuclear energy, Rosatom, the persons and their relatives, their children, who live off their money in Europe, in the United States, who pay with these profits for their education at European universities, who own real estate in the United States. A lot of real estate. They financially support children and relatives everywhere," he said. Zelenskyy further called on Russians who support the war and reside in Western nations to return to Russia. “F*** away to Russia. Go home. You don’t respect anybody in the United States. You don’t respect the rules. You don’t respect democracy. You don’t respect Ukraine or Europe. Go home," he added. Earlier, Zelenskyy said he had cleared sanctions targeting those who are backing Russian aggression in Ukraine.