US easing of Russian oil sanctions sparks EU criticism amid Middle East tensions
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a permit allowing countries to purchase Russian crude and petroleum products that had previously been stranded at sea
The Trump administration's decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil has drawn sharp criticism from European allies, who said the move could undermine support for Ukraine.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a permit allowing countries to purchase Russian crude and petroleum products that had previously been stranded at sea. The license applies to vessels loaded as of 12 March, with a deadline to disembark by 11 April, says EuroNews.
The policy shift comes as the United States faces rising oil prices above $100 a barrel following Middle East disruptions, including Iranian attacks on oil producers in the Gulf and the halting of operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington said the measure is intended to help stabilize energy costs.
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European leaders have expressed strong opposition. Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, said: "Easing sanctions now, for whatever reason, would be wrong," and emphasized that support for Ukraine should not become "distracted or dissuaded" by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He also noted that lifting the sanctions was not "the right signal to send."
António Costa, President of the European Council, called the move: "The unilateral decision by the US to lift sanctions on Russian oil exports is very concerning, as it impacts European security." He added that Moscow's coffers are "cashing in on the war" and that "any step that would enable Russia to increase its revenues from oil sales would be problematic in view of the larger goals that we have regarding crippling Russia's war capabilities against Ukraine."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "This is not the moment to relax sanctions on Russia," while French President Emmanuel Macron described backtracking on any sanctions against Russia as "unjustified."
Within the European Union, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was the only leader to support the US position to lift sanctions.
Despite the waiver and a historic release of US strategic oil reserves, global oil prices have not yet eased. Analysts said continued Iranian strikes on logistics hubs and ports could keep energy markets volatile.
