Fact Check: "President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed further reducing the oil price cap to $30 per barrel during a statement on June 11, 2023."
What We Know
On June 10, 2023, President Volodymyr Zelensky did indeed call for a reduction in the oil price cap on Russian oil. He suggested that the cap should be lowered from $60 to $30 per barrel in order to pressure Russia towards a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This statement was made during an evening address, where he described the proposed reduction as necessary to strengthen sanctions against Russia (source-4). However, there is no record of him specifically proposing this reduction on June 11, 2023, as the claim suggests.
Analysis
The claim that Zelensky proposed the $30 oil price cap specifically on June 11, 2023, is misleading. While he did advocate for a $30 cap, this was part of a broader discussion on June 10, 2023, and not a new proposal made on June 11. The context of his remarks was tied to the European Commission's unveiling of an 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which included a proposed reduction in the oil cap to $45 per barrel, a figure Zelensky referred to as a "compromise price" (source-6).
Furthermore, the reliability of the sources reporting on this matter varies. The Associated Press and Kyiv Independent are reputable news organizations that provide verified information, while some other outlets may have less stringent editorial standards. The original context of Zelensky's comments is crucial; he was responding to a specific situation regarding sanctions and the ongoing war, rather than making an isolated proposal on a specific date (source-1).
Conclusion
The claim that President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed further reducing the oil price cap to $30 per barrel during a statement on June 11, 2023, is False. While he did advocate for a $30 cap, this was part of a statement made on June 10, 2023, and not a new proposal made the following day. The misrepresentation of the timing of his comments leads to an inaccurate understanding of his position and the context of the discussion on sanctions against Russia.
Sources
- Zelenskyy warns oil price surge could help Russia's war effort
- 2022 Russian crude oil price cap sanctions
- Zelensky calls on West to slash Russian oil price cap in half as strikes on Ukraine escalate
- Zelensky urges 'stronger' EU sanctions on Russia, lower oil price cap
- Zelensky Urges $30 Oil Cap to Pressure Russia Toward Peace
- Zelenskyy called on Globsec forum participants to reduce the price of oil to $30
