Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj stated that Western sanctions against Russia are proving effective and urged further intensification of these measures. Speaking at a press conference with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Zelenskyj emphasized the detrimental impact of the sanctions on the Russian economy.

Zelenskyj highlighted that the Russian economy is already experiencing significant difficulties, including fuel shortages and industrial decline. He argued that these issues demonstrate the effectiveness of the current sanctions regime.

The Ukrainian President also pointed to what he described as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s increasingly submissive stance toward China. According to Zelenskyj, Putin’s willingness to sell raw materials to China at any cost reflects the pressure he is under due to the sanctions. He characterized this behavior as “humiliating” for Putin and indicative of Russia’s weakened position.