"I wish he could do it": Zelenskyy assesses Trump's chances to cut oil prices

US President Donald Trump currently has the greatest leverage over oil prices, and he has a real opportunity to reduce them, which will hurt Russia's economy. Therefore, the further course of the war may depend on oil prices.

This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online press conference with Ukrainian journalists. This is how he answered the question of whether the issue of lower oil prices will be raised during his visit to Saudi Arabia, where he will arrive on February 18.

"I don't know who can succeed in lowering prices. I believe that President Trump has the greatest resource to do this, that he is the strongest in this area, in the energy sector, and he has it in his hands. And I think that if he sets a goal, he will be able to reduce prices, I would like him to be able to," Zelenskyy admitted.

He confirmed that he would raise the topic of oil prices in Riyadh, but that the most important influence remains in the United States. The president also agreed with Trump's thesis that the war will end faster if oil prices fall, as this will hit the positions of Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin.

"I agree with him that it will have a big impact on the end of the war and maybe, as he says, the war will end faster. I also believe that it will accelerate the end of the war and put Putin in a weak situation," Zelenskyy said.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, due to the fall in world oil prices and increased payments to oil refineries in January, Russia's budget revenues from oil exports almost reached an annual minimum of $5.8 billion. However, these statistics do not reflect the impact of US oil sanctions, as they were imposed on January 10, and petrodollars are calculated based on December production and price data. At the same time, the average December price of Siberian Urals oil was $63.44 per barrel.

After the introduction of oil sanctions, Russia faced the possibility of losing its two largest oil buyers, India and China. In 2024, these countries' oil imports accounted for 36% and 20% of Russia's oil imports, but after the US sanctions, Chinese and Indian companies have virtually stopped buying new oil from Russia.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!