• Ukrainian President Zelensky condemns US waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil.
• Over 110 tankers with 12 million tons of oil are reportedly at sea due to sanctions easing.
• The extension is viewed as funding for ongoing attacks against Ukraine.
• Zelensky calls for stricter measures against Russian oil exports.
• US officials argue the waiver is necessary to stabilize energy prices amid Middle East turmoil.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the recent US decision to extend a waiver permitting the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products, stating that "every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war." He emphasized that this extension could lead to over $10 billion being funneled into the Russian military, which is used for deadly strikes against Ukraine, according to Le Monde and BBC.

Zelensky highlighted that there are currently more than 110 tankers carrying Russian oil at sea, which has resulted from the sanctions waiver. He remarked that these vessels could potentially carry over 12 million tons of crude oil, which can now be sold without repercussions due to the easing of restrictions, according to Channel News Asia.

The President expressed concern that the recent waiver would only prolong the conflict, despite efforts by the US to stabilize energy markets amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. He pointed out that last week alone, Russia launched over 2,360 attack drones and nearly 60 missiles against Ukrainian targets. This military activity underscores the urgency of stopping Russian oil exports, which he believes are essential to fund military operations against Ukraine, as expressed in reports from Le Monde, BBC, and Channel News Asia.

Following the US's decision to extend the sanctions waiver, criticism arose from various political figures, including top Democrats who labeled the move as "shameful" and a reversal from earlier statements indicating that the waiver would not be extended. Senators expressed concerns that lifting sanctions would embolden Russia, which has already benefitted from soaring oil prices due to the Middle East conflict, according to BBC and Channel News Asia.