Zelenskyy calls for “total sanctions” on Russia, including nuclear sector

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 16 called for “total sanctions” against Russia, urging the United States and Europe to expand penalties to include Moscow’s nuclear energy sector and the families of prominent Russian business figures.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy argued that existing measures do not go far enough and pressed Western allies to intensify economic pressure on the Kremlin, Caliber.Az reports. 

“Total sanctions means total,” he wrote, adding that further restrictions on Russia’s energy industry would send a strong signal. Zelenskyy specifically pointed to the state nuclear corporation Rosatom, saying it should be targeted alongside oil and gas companies.

Total sanctions means total. President Trump took strong steps sanctioning Lukoil and Rosneft. 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.

Europeans have done a lot. But they…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 16, 2026

The Ukrainian leader praised US President Donald Trump for sanctioning major Russian energy firms, including Lukoil and Rosneft. 

“President Trump took strong steps sanctioning Lukoil and Rosneft. 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 wrote.

Zelenskyy acknowledged that European countries have imposed significant sanctions since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but said key areas remain untouched. He criticised the lack of measures against Russian nuclear energy and against relatives of sanctioned individuals who, he said, live and study in Europe and the United States.

He accused some family members of Russian elites of owning property abroad and funding education in Western institutions with profits linked to Russia’s energy sector.

“Fuck away to Russia. Go home. You don't respect anybody in the United States. You don't respect the rules. You don't respect democracy. You don't respect Ukraine or Europe. Go home,” he finalised.

By Sabina Mammadli