EU Criticizes US Decision to Ease Sanctions on Russian Oil
European Union leaders have criticized a decision by the United States to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil shipments stranded at sea, warning that the move could increase Russia’s revenues and weaken international pressure over the war in Ukraine, according to Euro News.
The decision was announced Thursday by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said Washington would allow countries to purchase Russian crude oil and petroleum products currently stuck on vessels at sea. The temporary permit allows cargo loaded by March 12 to be unloaded by April 11.
The policy change comes as global oil prices surge due to a growing conflict in the Middle East. Fighting involving Iran has disrupted energy markets and raised concerns about the security of key shipping routes, including the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have climbed above $100 per barrel as tensions threaten supply.
Despite these market pressures, several European leaders warned that easing sanctions could benefit Moscow at a time when Western governments are trying to limit Russia’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said relaxing sanctions now would send the wrong message.
“Easing sanctions now, for whatever reason, would be wrong,” Merz said at a press conference on Friday. He added that support for Ukraine should not be weakened by events in the Middle East.
According to Merz, six of the seven leaders in the Group of Seven (G7) nations agreed during recent discussions that lifting sanctions on Russian oil was not appropriate at this stage. The United States was the only country that supported the change.
European Council President António Costa also expressed concern, saying the decision could undermine Europe’s security and strengthen Russia financially.
“Any step that would enable Russia to increase its revenues from oil sales would be problematic,” Costa said, noting that sanctions were designed to weaken Moscow’s military capabilities.
Other European leaders echoed similar views. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged governments to maintain strict measures against Russian energy exports, saying it was “not the moment to relax sanctions.” French President Emmanuel Macron also said reversing sanctions would be unjustified.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was the only EU leader to support lifting sanctions, aligning with the U.S. position.
Analysts say the temporary waiver has so far done little to reduce global oil prices, as ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt energy supplies and threaten major export routes.
