Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lit up Brussels with praise for U.S. President Donald Trump’s new sanctions on Russia’s oil giants, Rosneft and Lukoil, on October 22, 2025.
Speaking at an EU summit on October 23, Zelensky called the move a “powerful and timely” blow to Moscow’s war machine.
The sanctions, paired with the EU’s latest measures, aim to choke Russia’s economy and force a ceasefire in the grueling Ukraine war. This high-stakes play has the world riveted.
Zelensky’s words carry weight: “This is the pressure we’ve been waiting for to stop Russia’s aggression.” It’s a moment that could shift the conflict’s tide.
Trump Targets Russia’s Core
Trump’s sanctions hit Russia’s top oil firms, which fuel much of its war effort. Announced after stalled peace talks with Vladimir Putin, the measures block U.S. dealings with Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to squeeze Moscow’s finances.
Zelensky, posting on social media, hailed Trump’s “decisive and targeted” action, urging other nations to follow. “Aggression has a price,” he said, signaling hope that global pressure will grow.
The move comes after a failed Budapest summit plan, with Trump’s patience wearing thin as Russia’s invasion drags into its fourth year.
EU Amplifies the Pressure
The EU joined the fray with its 19th sanctions package, adopted on October 23. It fast-tracks a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports to 2027 and targets over 100 tankers in Moscow’s “shadow fleet” of aging oil ships.
The bloc also restricted Russian diplomats suspected of spying. These steps, aligned with Trump’s sanctions, aim to cripple Russia’s ability to fund its war.
Zelensky, fresh from EU summit talks, called the coordinated effort a “game-changer,” pushing for more support to bolster Ukraine’s defense.
Zelensky’s Call to Action
At the Brussels summit, Zelensky thanked Trump for sending a “clear message” that Russia’s war tactics won’t go unchecked. He stressed the sanctions’ role in countering Moscow’s attacks, like recent strikes on Ukrainian civilians.
“This shows the world: terror has consequences,” he told reporters. Yet, he urged allies to do more, seeking long-range weapons and air defenses to protect Ukraine’s people.
His passionate plea underscores the war’s toll thousands dead, millions displaced and the urgent need for a breakthrough.
A War at a Crossroads
Russia’s 2022 invasion has left Ukraine scarred, with recent attacks hitting schools and homes. Trump’s sanctions, after months of hesitation, mark a shift, fueled by frustration over failed talks.
The EU’s measures add muscle, targeting Russia’s energy exports, a key revenue source. Together, they signal a unified front against Putin’s aggression.
Zelensky’s optimism is cautious. He sees a ceasefire path but warns Russia’s stalling tactics could prolong the pain. The world watches as this bold move unfolds.
A Global Signal
Trump’s sanctions and the EU’s actions are a thunderclap, shaking Russia’s resolve. Zelensky’s praise highlights a fragile hope for peace, but challenges remain disputes over territory and troop withdrawals loom large.
Nigeria, with its own vibrant news scene, joins the global chorus tracking this drama. As sanctions bite, Russia’s economy wobbles, raising stakes for a resolution.
This isn’t just policy it’s a pivotal moment.
Will it force Putin to the table or fuel more conflict? Zelensky’s hope, and the world’s, hangs in the balance.
READ MORE: PSG Thrash Leverkusen 7-2 in Champions League Showdown
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
