Zelensky calls on world to impose strong sanctions against Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the world to impose new sanctions against Russia, close ports for Russian ships and give up Russian energy resources.

He stated this in his address to the Australian Parliament, Ukrinform reports.

"Together we can, and therefore must do more. New sanctions against Russia are needed. Strong sanctions. As long as it doesn’t abandon nuclear blackmail, the blockade of the sea, it must pay the highest price. No Russian ship should be allowed into the ports of the free world. Buying Russian oil means paying for the destruction of the foundations of global security. Any business activity with Russia must be completely stopped. Not a single dollar for the elimination of people!" Zelensky said.

He stressed that "a state that does not shy away from nuclear blackmail should immediately receive sanctions that demonstrate that blackmail has devastating consequences for the blackmailer."

According to him, effective tools are also needed to bring to justice any state that blocks maritime trade routes "so that no one even has such a temptation - to make the sea dead."

"Now there are simply no such tools in the world. Therefore, Australia's leadership can be indispensable in modernizing the global security architecture. As well as in strengthening our anti-war coalition, which is now working to return peace to Ukraine," Zelensky said.

He said everything that is happening in Ukraine due to Russia's aggression and that is destroying the lives of Ukrainians has already become a real threat to Australia and its people. "Because this is the nature of evil - it can instantly overcome any distance and any barriers, destroy life," he said.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the beginning of an all-out invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops have been shelling and destroying critical infrastructure, residential areas of Ukrainian cities, towns and villages using artillery, multiple rocket launchers, ballistic missiles and air bombs.

Martial law was imposed in Ukraine and general mobilization was announced. The country is repelling the invaders.