Western sanctions on Russia may eventually be lifted if they contribute to achieving security and justice for Ukraine, according to Kyiv’s leading sanctions official. In an interview with POLITICO, the official discussed the ongoing negotiations between United States President Donald Trump and Moscow aimed at resolving the war.
Vladyslav Vlasiuk, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s commissioner for sanctions policy, indicated that a return to business dealings with Russia is likely “a matter of time,” contingent on favorable conditions.
He emphasized that the economic restrictions, embargoes, and bans on Russian energy imports aim to compel Russia to cease its aggression and negotiate for lasting peace rather than serving merely as punitive measures.
Currently, Vlasiuk stated that it is “premature to discuss specific sanctions relief as part of any agreements. Our priority is ensuring that Russia takes significant steps toward peace before any discussions on lifting sanctions can commence.”
“We have already observed that the Russians are inquiring about the potential lifting of certain sanctions, which gives us insight into which sanctions inflict the most damage,” Vlasiuk remarked. “Understanding what is most painful allows us to leverage this effectively.”
Russian leader Vladimir Putin is reportedly becoming increasingly anxious about the state of his country’s struggling economy, having suffered substantial losses in oil and gas revenues from Western trade and witnessing a mass exodus of businesses and skilled labor following his disastrous invasion three years prior.
According to Vlasiuk, who also serves as secretary of the International Working Group on Russian Sanctions, any enduring agreement must include security guarantees for Ukraine and seek “justice for our people,” likely encompassing compensation for the significant sacrifices they have endured.
Trump has asserted his commitment to ending Russia’s war while simultaneously cutting aid to Ukraine and threatening new sanctions and tariffs against Moscow if negotiations do not proceed. The White House recently sent envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow and confirmed that he had direct discussions with Putin.
In the meantime, President Zelenskyy has publicly endorsed a proposed ceasefire but cautioned that Putin is not genuinely interested in peace, urging for more stringent economic measures to compel Russia to relent.
“Sanctions must be effective,” Zelenskyy stated. “We will continue collaborating with our American and European partners, and all global advocates for peace, to compel Russia to end this war.”
Despite its reliance on fossil fuel revenues to support military expenses, Moscow has experienced a decline in energy revenues as a result of sanctions and reduced business with the West.
In this context, Vlasiuk suggested that European nations might pursue new agreements to procure Russian oil and gas when the war concludes.
“Russia has significant potential, particularly in energy resources, and it would be unwise not to explore that,” he remarked. “However, it is crucial that they do not regain total dependency on Russian energy.”
“If Russia can return to reasonable politics with its partners and neighbors, it shouldn’t be excluded from competitive markets,” he added.
Earlier, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also indicated the possibility of normalizing relations with Moscow, stating, “It would be expected that if the war ceases, Europe and the U.S. would gradually restore normal relations with Russia.”
