Friedrich Merz. Photo: Getty Images
G7 leaders criticise Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Russian oil
Several Western leaders have criticised Washington's move to temporarily allow purchases of Russian oil, warning it could weaken pressure on Moscow.
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The leaders of Germany, Canada and Norway have publicly criticised the decision by US President Donald Trump's administration to lift sanctions on Russian oil.
Source: Bloomberg
Quote from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: "We had a video conference with the G7 leaders on Wednesday and six out of seven were clearly of the opinion that we should not release the sanctions against Russia. And we were a little bit surprised when we heard this morning that the American government decided differently.
This is definitely not our view. We are sharing, six out of seven, that this should not be the case, because Russia is benefiting from that. [...] We should put more pressure on Russia to bring this terrible war to an end as soon as possible."
Details: The statement came after Washington authorised the purchase of Russian oil held on tankers currently at sea.
Merz stressed that allies should not allow the war in the Middle East to distract them from maintaining pressure on Moscow. He noted that easing sanctions at this moment is a mistake under any circumstances.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also joined the criticism during a joint press conference held on the sidelines of NATO military exercises in Norway. He stated that Ottawa's position is to maintain all restrictions on Russia, including those targeting its shadow fleet.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, for his part, said the most important signal to Moscow must remain a firm demand to end its aggression.
Merz and Carney emphasised that leaders of the G7 will try to convince Trump that now is the time to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.
In addition, Merz pointed to unresolved questions regarding the US's strategy towards Iran. He stressed that Germany is not and does not want to be part of that conflict and that Berlin's efforts are focused on bringing it to an end.
Background:
Earlier, the US Treasury temporarily lifted sanctions restrictions on the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products transported by sea tankers for 30 days.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the move as a "narrowly tailored, short-term measure" that "will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government".
In an effort to stabilise prices amid the fighting in the Middle East, Trump's administration also announced the release of 172 million barrels of oil from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
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