Addressing the plenary session, Hashem emphasized that Egypt views industrial and technological collaboration as a cornerstone for building sustainable economic partnerships. He noted that EgyptianRussian relations have reached an advanced stage of strategic cooperation under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah AlSisi and President Vladimir Putin.

The minister highlighted that bilateral cooperation now extends beyond traditional trade to encompass industry, energy, technology, food security, and supply chains. He underscored Egypt’s ambition to strengthen its position as a regional industrial and logistics hub linking Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and Asia; leveraging its strategic location, extensive trade agreements, modern infrastructure, and advanced economic zones, particularly the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

Hashem pointed to the Russian Industrial Zone in Ain Sokhna as one of the most significant projects in EgyptianRussian industrial cooperation, affirming the government’s readiness to provide incentives and facilitation measures to accelerate its transition into construction and production phases.

He also highlighted promising opportunities for collaboration with the Republic of Tatarstan in engineering industries, petrochemicals, industrial equipment, energy, technology, and technical training. Praising Tatarstan’s advanced industrial experience, Hashem commended its success in technology localization and exportoriented manufacturing.

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Speaking on the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, Putin stated that Russia is developing modern weapons based on its combat experience. “Our cause is just, we are united and victory has been and will always be our ally,” Putin said, adding that the country’s fate “is determined by the people” regardless of technological changes in warfare.

Ceasefire Announcements and Drone Strikes

US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on Friday evening, stating the truce would be in effect from May 9 to 11.

The announcement followed earlier diplomatic proposals. Putin had previously announced a unilateral ceasefire for May 8 to 9, which the Russian Defence Ministry said it expected Ukraine to observe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had separately proposed a ceasefire beginning May 5 or 6, contingent on Russia halting combat operations.

Prior to the ceasefire announcements, authorities reported a continuation of aerial strikes involving hundreds of drones daily. On Friday, Russian officials reported drone attacks spanning from southern regions to the Ural Mountains, approximately 1,700 kilometres from the border.

In Rostov-on-Don, a drone strike damaged an administrative building at the air traffic control centre. The incident paused operations at airports in 13 southern cities, affecting at least 14,000 passengers. In Moscow, a drone struck a residential building located roughly six kilometres from the Kremlin.

Security Measures and Parade Adjustments

The Kremlin implemented heightened security measures for this year’s Victory Day celebrations in response to the drone attacks. Russia issued a warning that it would target central Kyiv if attempts were made to disrupt the events, and the Russian Foreign Ministry recommended that foreign embassies evacuate their diplomatic staff and citizens from the Ukrainian capital.

The Russian Defence Ministry announced last week that the May 9 parade would take place without heavy military equipment for the first time since 2007. Students from military colleges and youth institutions did not participate, though the scheduled air show proceeded. Several Russian cities, including Perm in the Urals, scaled back or cancelled their public events.

Media accreditation for the parade was modified. According to Bloomberg, access was primarily granted to live broadcast channels, technical television crews, the Kremlin press pool, and international media that regularly cover the presidency.

To facilitate security ahead of May 9, Russian authorities restricted mobile and fixed internet services in several cities. Following intermittent mobile internet outages in Moscow since May 5, state-controlled Sberbank advised customers to use ATMs and physical branches. A major taxi company also recommended clients book rides by phone and pay in cash.

Following the parade, Putin is scheduled to meet with several international officials, including Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, and leaders from Central Asian nations.

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Fatal Triple Drone Strike

The Lebanese Health Ministry provided details of the incident, stating that the victims were a Syrian man and his daughter. After the initial strike, the pair managed to move away from the point of impact, but the drone re-targeted them a second time, killing the father instantly.

The 12-year-old girl then fled approximately 100 metres before the drone conducted a third, direct strike on her. She was transported to the Nabih Berri Governmental Hospital in Nabatieh with severe injuries and underwent surgery, but later succumbed to her wounds.

The ministry’s statement condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric targeting and deliberate violence against civilians and children in Lebanon in an open series of serious violations of international humanitarian law.”

Widespread Strikes and Direct Peace Talks

The fatality occurred amidst a broader intensification of military activity in the region, which coincided with significant diplomatic announcements.

On Friday, the US State Department announced that a new round of intensive talks between Lebanon and Israel is scheduled for May 14 and 15, hosted under United States auspices. Building on an April 23 round convened by US President Donald Trump, these negotiations aim to establish a framework for lasting peace, secure the full restoration of Lebanese sovereignty over its territory, and address Israel’s core security concerns, the US statement said.

The US emphasised that comprehensive peace remains contingent on the complete disarmament of Hezbollah, which it designates as a foreign terrorist organisation.

Lebanese sources indicated these will be the first “direct” negotiations following preparatory meetings held after a recent ceasefire announcement. Lebanon’s delegation, which includes current and former ambassadors Nada Hamadeh Mouawad and Simon Karam alongside a military representative, plans to address five key points: a definitive ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, release of prisoners, the return of displaced citizens, and deployment of the Lebanese Army.

Continued Escalation and Casualties

Despite the diplomatic track, the situation on the ground remained volatile. Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli military intensified airstrikes and issued evacuation warnings for towns in the Nabatieh and Tyre districts. A separate strike targeted a car near the Muhammad Saad Secondary School between Burj Rahal and Abbasiya in the Tyre district, resulting in three fatalities.

Additional Israeli strikes hit a motorcycle in Haris in the Bint Jbeil district, as well as locations in Zrarieh (following an evacuation warning), Maaroub, Barish, Tayr Debba, and a home in Burj Rahal. An Israeli drone also struck the town of Mansouri. In Nabatieh, missiles targeted the university neighbourhood, while an Israeli Apache helicopter conducted a machine-gun sweep over the outskirts of Deir Siriane.

In a statement, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said it had targeted a gathering of Israeli army vehicles in the town of Rachaf with artillery shells.

Heightened Security in Russia Amid Drone Attacks and Surprise Ceasefire

While the conflict intensified in the Middle East, parallel security concerns dominated the Victory Day commemorations in Russia. US President Donald Trump, who convened the upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks, unexpectedly announced on Friday evening a ceasefire for the Ukraine conflict to last from May 9 to 11.

Prior to Trump’s announcement, mutual truce proposals had collapsed. Putin had previously announced a unilateral ceasefire for May 8 to 9, which the Russian Defence Ministry stated it expected Ukraine to observe. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy proposed a ceasefire beginning May 5 or 6, offering an extension if Russia halted its combat operations.

This year’s commemorations in Moscow were conducted under heightened security measures following a dramatic increase in Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russia. Russian officials reported a widespread drone offensive on Friday spanning from the south to the Ural Mountains, approximately 1,700 kilometres from the border.

In a rare attack on Moscow, a drone hit a luxury residential building about 6 kilometres from the Kremlin. Another strike in Rostov-on-Don damaged the administrative building at the air traffic control centre, halting operations at airports in 13 southern cities and affecting at least 14,000 passengers.

Russia had warned that it would target central Kyiv if any attempts were made to disrupt the Victory Day events.

Scaled-Back Victory Day Parade

As a consequence of the security situation, the May 9 Red Square parade was notably scaled back. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed last week that the event would proceed without heavy military equipment for the first time since 2007. Students from military colleges and youth institutions did not participate, although the traditional air show was maintained.

In his address to mark the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, Putin said, “fighters of the special military operation” are battling “aggression backed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)”. He stated that Russia is developing modern weapons based on its combat experience and that the country’s fate “is determined by the people”.

Several major Russian cities, including Perm, reduced their celebrations or cancelled them entirely this year. To enforce security, Russian authorities suspended mobile and occasionally fixed internet services in a number of cities, with Moscow experiencing intermittent mobile internet outages since May 5. This led state-controlled Sberbank to advise customers to use ATMs and physical branches.

Following the parade, Putin was expected to meet with several international leaders, including Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, and leaders from Central Asian nations.

The cessation of hostilities announced by the US President went into effect on May 9.

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This relationship matters because it directly influences the balance of power in the Middle East, a region where new international trends are often tested. The key question is not whether a formal alliance exists, but how this flexible mix of interests reshapes power and stability in the region.

Such cooperation challenges traditional ideas about deterrence. In recent years, Iran has sought closer ties with Russia and China to counterbalance US influence. Yet these relationships do not guarantee support in times of crisis. Instead, they create an uncertain security environment, where assistance is not assured and outcomes remain unpredictable.

This uncertainty grants regional powers greater independence. Without rigid alliances, Middle Eastern states can engage with multiple major powers without fully committing to any single bloc. As a result, the region has become a competitive arena where countries respond to shifting interests and pursue diverse partnerships. This has produced a fragile and easily disrupted stability.

In the past, the region enjoyed a more structured balance. Today, crises are managed rather than resolved. Major powers such as Russia and China aim to prevent escalation but avoid costly or risky commitments. This approach seeks to maintain stability and avert conflict, yet underlying tensions persist.

Russia and China focus on managing regional crises—including those involving Iran—rather than pursuing comprehensive solutions. Russia seeks to limit further complications given its own challenges and the war in Ukraine. China, meanwhile, prioritizes safeguarding its economy and energy security, while steering clear of direct military involvement. This strategy may prevent deterioration but does not address deeper structural issues.

By managing crises instead of resolving them, Russia and China maintain a degree of control and stability in the region. Their relationship with Iran remains flexible, allowing each side to pursue its own interests without binding defense commitments.

This flexible approach has significant implications. Rather than a single dominant power imposing order, the Middle East now operates within a complex web of overlapping relationships. Power struggles persist, but with multiple strong actors involved, outcomes are harder to predict.

Consequently, the region is more susceptible to sudden shifts, while states enjoy greater freedom to adapt to new circumstances. The environment remains fluid, with numerous players shaping and reacting to events. Rapid change is the norm, forcing countries to continually reassess strategies and partnerships. Traditional frameworks for understanding these dynamics no longer suffice. Today, relationships are driven by shifting interests rather than fixed alliances or ideologies. Even when divisions appear to deepen, they may not reflect enduring realities.

Dr. Marwa El-Shinawy – Academic and Writer

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The talks between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Nikolai Patrushev, an aide to the Russian President and Chairperson of the Maritime Board of Russia, focused on implementing agreements reached between the two countries’ leaderships. This includes understandings established during al-Sisi’s visit to Russia in May 2025 and recent telephone communications, the latest being on March 31, 2026, according to Egyptian Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy.

During the meeting, al-Sisi commended the growing momentum in bilateral relations and trade exchange. He specifically highlighted the El Dabaa nuclear energy project and the planned Russian industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone as reflections of the specific nature of Egyptian-Russian ties, the spokesman said.

Patrushev, who conveyed greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that his delegation’s visit underlines Moscow’s commitment to continued joint work with Egypt to activate their strategic partnership across various fields, with a specific focus on maritime navigation. The two sides reviewed the status of existing and potential projects, alongside ongoing discussions between the Russian delegation and relevant Egyptian national authorities.

The Russian aide also expressed Moscow’s appreciation and support for Al-Sisi’s efforts and Egypt’s broader roles, emphasising a desire for sustained, intensive coordination between the two nations at various levels.

The Cairo meeting was attended by senior Egyptian officials, including Minister of Transport Kamel al-Wazir; Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty; and Presidential Adviser for National Security Fayza Abou el-Naga.

The Russian delegation included Yury Matveyev, Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Embassy in Cairo; Sergei Vakhrukov, Director of the National Maritime Policy Department of the Russian Presidency; Yevgeny Anoshin, Deputy Director of the same department; and Konstantin Manasenko, Adviser to the Russian Presidential Aide.

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Daily News Egypt sat down with Steve Lutes, Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce for Middle East Affairs, to explore the realities of US-Egypt economic ties and the challenges of turning Egypt’s potential into execution.

How do you assess Egypt’s performance in attracting investment? What is needed to improve?

Every government faces the challenge of becoming an attractive destination. Egypt already enjoys advantages that are difficult to replicate, most notably its geographic location. The key question is how to fully leverage that position.

Egypt also benefits from trade agreements with African markets. While I am not an economist, many experts anticipate strong growth across Africa in the coming years, which presents a significant opportunity. We often speak about Egypt as a gateway to Africa, but the priority now is to translate that concept into practical reality. This requires expanding dialogue frameworks beyond bilateral engagement to more multilateral cooperation.

What role can the US Chamber play in promoting economic support for Egypt?

The Chamber maintains ongoing engagement with US policymakers to highlight Egypt’s strategic economic importance, its role in regional stability, and its value as a trade and investment partner, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Through the US-Egypt Business Council, we consistently advocate for strengthening economic resilience, ensuring market stability, and supporting private sector-led growth. During periods of crisis, we also communicate the impact of economic shocks on supply chains, investor confidence, and reform trajectories. This helps foster a more stable political and economic environment conducive to financing and sustainable investment.

There’s a perception that Egypt’s private sector lacks equal opportunity. How do you see it?

There is always room for improvement; no system is perfect. From what I hear, there is clear government intent to expand privatisation and strengthen the private sector’s role. Naturally, businesses would like to see this process move faster.

Recent government changes suggest a greater willingness to accelerate reforms. This is creating more opportunities for private sector participation across a range of industries, whether through domestic firms or partnerships with international companies, including American ones.

With China, Türkiye, Germany, and Russia active in Egypt, where does the US stand?

It is important to recognise that different countries operate under different economic models. China and, to a large extent, Russia rely on state-led investment approaches. The United States operates very differently.

The US government does not direct companies where to invest. Decisions are made by private firms based on market conditions. If the investment environment is attractive, companies will come. If not, they will look elsewhere.

Can Egypt truly become a regional hub?

Absolutely. Egypt has the potential to serve not only as a gateway to Africa, but also to the Mediterranean and Europe. The Suez Canal remains a critical artery for global trade, whether for goods, energy, or even digital connectivity through submarine cables.

However, the real challenge is not promotion; it is execution.

What do you mean by execution?

Attracting American investment requires a more tailored approach than in state-led systems. In countries like China, agreements are often concluded at the government level, with companies following.

In the United States, each company must be engaged individually. Some are looking to expand into Africa, others have capital ready to deploy, while others require detailed feasibility studies. This makes the process more complex and demands targeted engagement and customised analysis.

Does this make US investment more difficult to secure?

It does make it more demanding, but also more sustainable. American companies tend to take a long-term view. They invest in local hiring, integrate into the market, and build enduring business operations.

What can we expect from the second Egyptian-American Economic Forum?

The objective is to frame the relationship strategically, rather than as a one-off event. There is a real opportunity to reinforce Egypt’s role as a gateway to Africa, including by involving African stakeholders and presenting concrete, investment-ready projects.

How can interest be converted into real investment?

American firms require precise, actionable information, not general messaging. When opportunities are clearly defined and well-structured, it becomes much easier to convert interest into investment.

Sector-focused discussions and direct engagement are essential to this process.

Why has Egypt-US cooperation in Africa been limited?

The Chamber continues to view Egypt as a key platform for US companies seeking to expand into Africa, particularly in sectors such as logistics, construction, energy, agriculture, and services.

However, progress depends on clearer project pipelines, the use of innovative financing tools such as blended finance, and stronger coordination between governments and development institutions.

What guarantees do US investors seek in tech and infrastructure?

Investors prioritise regulatory stability, transparency, effective dispute resolution mechanisms, and the availability of foreign currency. They also look for clear frameworks for public-private partnerships and predictable licensing timelines.

In the technology sector, data governance, intellectual property protection, and cybersecurity are especially critical.

Beyond energy, which sectors are most attractive?

Key growth areas include logistics, ICT, fintech, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and export-oriented manufacturing.

What is the Chamber’s vision for the future of the Egypt-US economic partnership?

The relationship is evolving into a more strategic partnership built on resilience, innovation, and shared responsibility. Key areas of focus include energy security, regional stability, supply chain diversification, and human capital development.

The post Egypt poised to become gateway to Africa, Europe: Steve Lutes first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

In his televised speech, Al-Sisi warned of premeditated attempts to redraw the region’s map under extremist ideological claims. He stressed the necessity of respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for an end to efforts aimed at dividing nations, seizing their resources, and fuelling internal conflicts. Political solutions and negotiations, he stated, are the optimal ways to spare the region further disaster.

Addressing the immediate conflict in the Palestinian territories, Sisi expressed Egypt’s “categorical rejection, which accepts no interpretation or compromise, of any endeavour aimed at displacing the Palestinians under any circumstances.” He urged the full implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, including unhindered humanitarian aid and immediate reconstruction, alongside a halt to repeated attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank to protect their rights and dignity.

The president firmly condemned recent attacks on several Arab nations, affirming Egypt’s complete support for their sovereignty and territorial safety. He noted that solidarity is the only way for regional countries to overcome current hardships, reaffirming that peace remains Egypt’s permanent choice, stemming from strength and conviction rather than weakness or fear.

Al-Sisi detailed the severe economic pressures resulting from this regional instability, revealing that Egypt has lost approximately $10 bn in Suez Canal revenues due to attacks on shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. This loss, coupled with the hosting of around 10 m arrivals from allied and neighbouring countries, has compounded the challenges posed by global food and energy price increases. He cited a decade of successive crises impacting the state, including terrorism, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Gaza war, and what he termed the “Iranian war.”

Reflecting on the historical significance of the Sinai liberation, Sisi praised the Egyptian Armed Forces, the civilian police, and the late President Anwar Sadat’s vision for peace. He also commended the Egyptian legal team that secured the return of Taba through international arbitration, noting that the military remains fully capable of deterring any threat to Egypt’s national security.

Acknowledging the economic difficulties facing the domestic population, Al-Sisi reassured the public that the government is working with all its capacity to alleviate burdens and limit the repercussions of these compounding global and regional crises.

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In a statement, the presidency said Al-Sisi invited Tatarstan’s industrial developers and investors to participate in the project, describing it as a key pillar of economic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.

The meeting, held in Cairo, underscored growing bilateral ties, with Al-Sisi emphasising the importance of expanding economic relations with both Russia and Tatarstan.

Discussions also covered cooperation across several sectors, including culture, education, tourism, agriculture, and industry, in addition to Tatarstan’s economic development, particularly in industrial and technological fields.

Al-Sisi asked Minnikhanov to convey his greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and congratulated Tatarstan on the selection of its capital, Kazan, as the Islamic Culture Capital for 2026.

For his part, Minnikhanov expressed his country’s interest in strengthening ties with Egypt, noting the progress in bilateral relations since his last visit to Cairo in 2018 and Al-Sisi’s visit to Kazan in 2024 to attend the BRICS summit. He also praised Egypt’s role in promoting stability and security in the Middle East and Africa, according to the statement.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Minnikhanov invited Al-Sisi to visit Kazan during a future trip to Russia, an invitation the Egyptian president welcomed.

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According to the NFSA’s General Directorate of Exports and Imports, between March 28 and April 3, 2026, Egypt received 2,440 food consignments totalling around 510,000 tonnes. The shipments were handled by 995 importing companies and included key strategic commodities such as wheat, edible oils and soybeans, underscoring continued reliance on essential imports to meet domestic demand.

Russia topped the list of exporting countries, followed by France, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Argentina, among a total of 90 countries supplying the Egyptian market during the week.

In terms of entry points, Alexandria Port remained the busiest, receiving 860 consignments, followed by Cairo International Airport with 545 shipments, and Suez Port with 311 shipments, reflecting the diversity of logistical channels serving the country’s food supply chain.

The report also highlighted customs clearance activity, noting that 1,286 consignments were released under temporary custody, while 672 shipments were processed through the expedited clearance system, helping accelerate circulation without compromising regulatory oversight. In addition, 100 cases were handled under decisions by the NFSA’s complaints committee.

During the same period, the authority issued import licences to 119 companies to ensure compliance with approved standards. As part of its inspection regime, 256 consignments were held for further checks, while 27 shipments were rejected following laboratory analysis. Five rejected shipments were subsequently re-exported to prevent congestion at ports and maintain smooth logistics, while upholding strict food safety standards.

On the export side, Egyptian food shipments also recorded strong performance. The NFSA reported that 5,065 consignments, totalling approximately 230,000 tonnes, were exported by around 1,400 companies, covering nearly 730 product categories, including fresh produce, processed foods, flour and grain-based products.

Fruit exports reached 70,000 tonnes across 36 varieties, led by citrus at 45,000 tonnes, followed by strawberries at 20,000 tonnes and other fruits at 5,000 tonnes. Vegetable exports totalled 55,000 tonnes across 45 varieties, with potatoes accounting for 25,000 tonnes, followed by sweet potatoes and beans at 5,000 tonnes each.

Egyptian exports reached 186 countries during the week, with Saudi Arabia, Russia, Syria, Netherlands and Jordan among the leading destinations, highlighting the expanding global footprint of Egypt’s agri-food sector.

Export operations were supported by multiple ports, with Damietta Port handling 830 shipments, Safaga Port 767 shipments, and Alexandria Port 642 shipments.

To support exporters, the NFSA issued 1,375 health certificates in line with international standards, reinforcing product compliance and market confidence. It also granted 3,218 export permits for agricultural products through oversight of packing houses and processing facilities, benefiting 1,582 exporting companies and facilitating smoother trade flows while enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian products in global markets.

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Russia has long held more than 99% of Luhansk, one of four Ukrainian regions Moscow said it annexed in 2022. The move was rejected by Kyiv and most Western nations as an illegal seizure of Ukrainian territory.

The ministry stated that Russian forces also took control of the village of Verkhnia Pysarivka in the Kharkiv region and the village of Boykov in the Zaporizhzhia region of southeastern Ukraine. These battlefield reports could not be independently verified.

The reports come as the Ukrainian military increases strikes on Russian energy targets, amid rising crude prices and the easing of certain sanctions. Ukrainian forces said they carried out 10 major attacks this month on energy infrastructure, some of which reached deep into Russian territory.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told CNN on Saturday that Ukraine’s long-range drones have become more effective. “We responded to the strike that targeted our energy infrastructure. And we responded with a strong strike, which reduced the capabilities of Ust-Luga,” Zelenskyy said. He added that 40% of the capacity of the Ust-Luga terminal on the Baltic coast remained after the strikes.

A Russian oil refinery in Yaroslavl, northeast of Moscow, was also targeted early Saturday morning. While the military reported a direct hit followed by a fire, Yaroslavl Governor Mikhail Yevrayev said more than 30 drones were neutralised, though he noted damage to several residential buildings and a “commercial facility.”

Further attacks were reported at the Primorsk port last week and a Rosneft-operated refinery in Saratov. The Ukrainian security service stated that long-range drones damaged oil loading platforms and storage tanks containing petroleum products at Ust-Luga on Friday.

In response to the domestic market impact of these strikes and “unscheduled maintenance” at refineries, the Russian government is considering re-imposing a ban on gasoline exports starting April 1, according to state news agency TASS. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak is reportedly discussing the measure with industry ministries and oil companies.

On the diplomatic front, the Kremlin on Tuesday gave a cool reception to a proposal by Zelenskyy to suspend attacks on energy facilities during Easter. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed scepticism, stating that Moscow preferred a comprehensive peace agreement over a limited truce.

“We have not seen any clear initiative regarding an Easter truce in the comments from Zelenskyy that we have seen,” Peskov told reporters.

Zelenskyy had stated on Monday that Kyiv was ready to halt strikes if Russia stopped attacking Ukrainian power grids. He noted that several allies had sent “signals” regarding the possibility of reducing long-range attacks on the Russian oil sector amid rising global energy prices.

The Ukrainian president also criticized the easing of U.S. sanctions, specifically a Treasury Department suspension of sanctions on Russian oil already at sea. Analysts suggest oil revenues, which account for at least a third of Russia’s budget, may have doubled over the past month.

Zelenskyy further stated that Russian intelligence is assisting Iran in targeting locations using satellite imagery, saying that the lifting of sanctions on Moscow allows for the transfer of critical information regarding attacks on allied bases in the region.

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