Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking to the nation via his Telegram channel, criticized the ceiling on Russian oil adopted by the European Union as a gesture that misses its mark. He argued that the cap, and the framework surrounding it, do not constrain Moscow in a meaningful way and described the move as insufficient for the moment. In his view, price limits that are too loose risk letting aggression continue with limited practical effect on Moscow’s energy strategy.
On 3 December, the European Commission announced that the G7 nations, along with Australia, had reached an agreement to impose a price cap of $60 per barrel on Russian oil shipped by sea. The measure, set to take effect on December 5, aims to curb Moscow’s revenues while maintaining a steady flow of oil to global markets. The decision reflects a balancing act between constraining financing for the Russian state and safeguarding energy supplies for buyers around the world, a contested equation that has shaped debate in European capitals and allied capitals alike.
In remarks that accompanied the announcement, Zelensky dismissed the ceiling as a so-called border that appears comfortable for Moscow’s pricing strategy rather than a credible constraint. He stressed that a cap should translate into tangible pressure on the Kremlin’s ability to fund war efforts, warning that a soft line risks prolonging conflict and complicating the path toward political and security solutions that Ukraine seeks. The Ukrainian leadership has consistently pressed for stronger measures that reduce revenue flows while preserving the stability of global energy markets.
The president called on the world to pursue what he termed energetic disarmament of Moscow, a phrase he uses to describe sustained pressure on Russia through coordinated economic and strategic measures. This stance aligns with Kyiv’s broader demand for international efforts that increase the costs of aggression while protecting allies from abrupt energy shocks. Zelensky’s comments come as European Union member states continue to navigate the political and economic complexities of implementing a cap that satisfies both stability concerns and sanctions objectives.
Previously in the EU, deliberations about the optimal price ceiling for Russian oil were intensely debated. Several member states advocated for a higher cap, in the range of $65 to $70 per barrel, arguing that a modest reduction could undermine European energy security or fail to deter Moscow’s broader strategic aims. In contrast, Poland publicly pushed for a much lower price point, advocating a ceiling near $30 per barrel to maximize financial pressure on Russia. The divergent views underscored the challenge of achieving a unified European approach that could withstand the operational realities of maritime trade and the tactics employed by Russian exporters.