Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Italy on Tuesday to stop Russian oligarchs from using the nation as a safe haven.
As per the address of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Italian lawmakers in a video speech, “You know those who brought war to Ukraine. Those who ordered to fight & those who are promoting it. Most of them use Italy as a place for vacation. So don’t be a resort for murderers.”
Zelenskyy further asked lawmakers to seize Russian leaders’ real estate and block access to oligarch’s bank accounts, yachts, and other assets. He said, “Let them apply their influence for peace to be able to come back to you someday. Support greater sanctions against Russia.”
He also suggested Italy to place an embargo on Russian oil imports and ban Russian ships from taking entry into its ports.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, several global leaders have taken a step ahead to impose a number of sanctions on Russian oligarchs- who are considered as powerful and wealthy individuals accused of having strong relations with President Putin.
Due to sanctions, many oligarchs have been stripped of their wealth and assets.
Italian authorities on Saturday seized a building complex owned by Russian oligarch Alexei Mordashov, and the nation has taken control of yachts & villas belonging to their oligarchs- all worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Zelenskyy’s appeal for Italian lawmakers to do more to punish Russian elites comes after a string of virtual addresses to other nations, including the US, Germany and Canada.
As, Russia has stepped into the 28th day of its war against Ukraine, Putin’s forces continue to bombard Ukrainian cities and civilians. Ongoing peace talks between both sides have yet to conclude to any end to finish the war.