Zelenskyy Urges West to Target Russian Families Abroad and Rosatom with Tougher Sanctions

Ukrainian President's Appeal for Stronger Sanctions

According to Главком: In an interview with Politico, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Western nations to intensify sanctions against the families of Russians living abroad and against the state nuclear corporation Rosatom. Speaking to journalist Dasha Burns on February 15, 2026, Zelenskyy expressed concern over what he views as an insufficient response from European countries to the ongoing situation. This call comes as Ukraine continues to seek greater international pressure on Russia's economy and its elite.

Zelenskyy noted that 90% of Ukrainians oppose holding elections during wartime, underscoring the critical need for decisive action from Europe. He emphasized that Europeans have yet to impose sanctions on Russia's nuclear energy sector, specifically Rosatom, or against specific individuals and their relatives residing in Europe and the United States. According to him, these families own property in the United States and are enrolled in European universities.

Frustration Over Inaction

Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Europeans to pay attention to this issue, voicing his outrage that some Russians living abroad show disrespect for democratic values, rules, and for Ukraine itself. In his remarks, he stated:

'This is what I want to say to Europeans. Europeans have done a lot, but they still have not imposed sanctions on Russian nuclear energy, on Rosatom, on specific individuals – their relatives and children who live in Europe, in the USA, study at European universities, own property in the United States. They have a lot of property. Their children and relatives are all over the world. Fuck away to Russia. Go home. You respect no one in the United States. You do not respect the rules. You do not respect democracy. You do not respect Ukraine, Europe, or others. Go home. Is that wrong?' - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy's call to action highlights the importance of international support for Ukraine in countering aggression and the necessity of implementing stricter sanctions to neutralize Russia's influence beyond its borders.

Strengthening sanctions against Russian companies and individuals operating abroad could be a crucial step in reducing the financial support Russia receives and bolstering Ukraine's position on the global stage. Such measures could also shape European policy regarding future relations with Russia, particularly in the context of energy security and regional stability.