The decision by the US to ease some sanctions on Russian oil sales has provoked a chorus of criticism from European leaders.
President Emmanuel Macron of France said there was “no justification” for it. Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany said the decision was “wrong”. EU Council President Antonio Costa said it was “very concerning”.
Russia is already benefiting from rising oil prices driven by the Middle East war.
These European leaders fear that allowing Russia to sell more of its oil will give an even bigger boost to Kremlin coffers.
Russia has been under US and European sanctions since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The US under President Donald Trump had also imposed sanctions on countries buying Russian oil and gas – big consumers like India.
But with world markets rattled by the US and Israeli war against Iran – and the Iranian retaliation against their allies in the Gulf, some major energy producers for world markets – Trump has decided to ease sanctions.
Late on Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a temporary suspension of sanctions on Russian oil already on tankers at sea a temporary suspension of sanctions on Russian oil already on tankers at sea.
At a news conference in Paris, where he met his French counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelensky said this US decision alone was worth $10bn (£7.5bn) to Russia. “This certainly does not help peace,” he said.
That is because the more revenues Russia can earn, the more pressure it can ease on its war economy.
Such is the squeeze on Russian public finances in recent months, the Kremlin had to sell gold reserves and increase consumption taxes to boost revenues. With extra oil sales, Russia will now be able to buy more weapons and soldiers to throw into the front line.
