Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on 22 June that Russian authorities are actively seeking to weaken international sanctions and are preparing new military operations in Europe, citing intelligence reports he received the same day.

Moscow’s main goal: dismantling sanctions pressure

According to Zelenskyy’s evening address on 22 June, Russia’s current focus is to combat international sanctions. He stated that the Kremlin is attempting to not only block new sanctions but also soften those already imposed.

“They are trying by every means to bargain not just for the non-application of new sanctions, but also for the weakening of existing ones. We understand how and whom they are using in Europe and in other parts of the world. We are countering this,” Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to those promoting the sanctions agenda, calling it “the agenda that brings peace closer.”

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Intelligence reports on Russian plans and economic pressure

Earlier the same day, Zelenskyy also referred to a separate report from Defense Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov regarding the situation inside Russia and its military-industrial complex. He reiterated that “the key thing Moscow is trying to do is fight sanctions.” The President said Ukrainian intelligence clearly sees Russia’s critical vulnerabilities and is preparing corresponding actions to diminish Moscow’s aggressive potential.

Zelenskyy also claimed that Ukraine has evidence that Russia is preparing new military operations on European territory.

“We see very significant damage caused by sanctions to the Russian economic system, which confirms that our strategy of pressuring Russia to end the war is the correct one,” he said.

Middle East tensions and nuclear nonproliferation

Zelenskyy also commented on recent US strikes on Iranian-linked nuclear facilities and condemned Iran’s support for Russia, citing the use of Shahed drones in attacks on Ukraine.

“There must be no proliferation of nuclear weapons in the modern world,” Zelenskyy stressed, noting the need for global diplomatic resolve and stronger collective security.

He welcomed US leadership on the issue and underlined the urgency of coordinated international diplomacy.