Zelensky Urges Sanctions on Russian Energy, Elite Deportations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for comprehensive sanctions on Russia's energy sector and urged the deportation of Russian elites and their families from Western countries in a sharply worded social media post on Monday. Addressing his millions of followers on X, Zelensky targeted wealthy Russians accused of supporting Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, accusing them of flouting democratic norms while benefiting from profits tied to the war effort.

"Total sanctions means total," Zelensky wrote, praising U.S. President Donald Trump for imposing penalties last October on Russia's two largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft. Those measures, announced by the U.S. Treasury, aimed to curb revenues funding Russia's military operations amid stalled ceasefire talks. Zelensky expressed gratitude, stating, "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 highlighted that European nations have enacted substantial restrictions but have not yet targeted Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom.

Zelensky detailed how relatives of Russian officials use energy profits to fund...