Germany’s Merz Slams US Easing of Russian Oil Sanctions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharply criticized the Trump administration’s temporary easing of sanctions on Russian oil, arguing the move sends the wrong signal to Moscow and undermines coordinated allied efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Merz revealed that Russian oil and gas supplies were discussed during a G7 leaders’ video call, where six members clearly opposed any relaxation of sanctions. Despite this, the US made a unilateral decision to temporarily allow purchases of stranded Russian oil.

“There was a very clear consensus among six G7 members that this is not the right signal to send. We then learned this morning that the US administration has apparently made its decision,” Merz stated.

Addressing Washington’s rationale, Merz rejected the argument that sanctions relief was necessary due to supply shortages.

“Once again, we believe this is the wrong move. There is currently a price problem, not a supply problem,” he said, highlighting that the temporary measure targets rising energy costs amid the Iran conflict and Hormuz Strait disruptions, rather than actual supply constraints.

Merz also questioned the broader motivations behind the US action.

“In that respect, I would like to know what other motives led the US administration to make this decision,” he said, emphasizing growing transatlantic tensions over energy security and allied cohesion.