Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged countries to impose tariffs and trade restrictions on Russia and those doing business with it, following Moscow’s largest aerial assault since the war began.
In an interview with ABC News, Zelenskyy said, “It is the right idea to put tariffs on countries that continue to make deals with Russia,” when asked about recent meetings between leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in China, as well as former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of tariffs on India.
The appeal came after Russia unleashed more than 800 drones and 13 missiles, including four ballistic, on Saturday night, targeting several Ukrainian cities. For the first time, a government building in Kyiv—the Cabinet of Ministers—was hit, with flames breaking out on its upper floors. At least two people, including an infant, were killed when drones struck residential buildings. Air-raid sirens blared across the capital for 11 hours. According to early reports, some drones entered Ukraine from Belarus.
Zelenskyy said emergency crews were working tirelessly to respond to the devastation. In a series of posts on X, he stressed that verbal condemnations by world leaders must be matched with concrete steps. “Statements must be backed by strong actions—sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs, and other restrictions on trade. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing,” he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump also signaled a tougher stance, saying on Sunday he was ready to impose new sanctions on Russia. Asked whether this included directly targeting President Vladimir Putin, Trump responded, “Yes, I am…”
Zelenskyy welcomed the “broad response” from Ukraine’s partners to the latest assault, but warned that Moscow’s actions were a test of global resolve. “Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world—whether they will accept or tolerate this,” he said.
