UNGA: Zelenskyy Says Russia’s Revenues Must Remain a Target

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told the United Nations General Assembly that Russia’s revenues must remain a target as Kyiv seeks to weaken Moscow’s ability to sustain its war effort.

Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, Zelenskyy urged world leaders to limit trade that provides Russia with financial resources.

“Russia’s revenues must remain a target,” Zelenskyy said, arguing that continued trade with Moscow provides resources that can prolong the conflict.

He said Ukraine was also targeting Russian revenues through attacks on facilities that contribute to the country’s war financing.

Zelenskyy’s comments came amid international discussions over Ukraine’s strikes against Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure.

US President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil facilities, citing concerns about the impact of the strikes on fuel supplies and prices. Kyiv, however, has maintained that its attacks are aimed at reducing Russia’s ability to finance its military campaign.

Following a meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was prepared to agree to an energy ceasefire if Russia also stopped attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

He said there had been no discussion about Ukraine unilaterally ending its attacks on Russian oil facilities.

Zelenskyy has argued that Russian energy revenues help finance Moscow’s military operations and has called on countries buying Russian oil to reconsider their trade with Moscow.

The Ukrainian leader’s address came as Russia and Ukraine continued exchanging long-range drone and missile strikes, with energy infrastructure remaining among the targets.

Zelenskyy also called for continued international pressure on Russia, saying restrictions on trade and other measures could reduce the resources available to sustain the war.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the UN Security Council that Moscow remained prepared to negotiate a lasting peace but rejected calls for simply pausing the conflict.

The contrasting positions came as diplomatic efforts involving Washington, Kyiv and Moscow continued alongside military operations.

Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for international support for Ukraine and urged partners to maintain pressure on Russia while Kyiv seeks a path toward negotiations and an end to the war.