Germany Says It Will Keep Russia Sanctions After US Temporarily Lifts Fuel Restrictions
Germany said Saturday it will maintain its sanctions on Russia despite a temporary US move to ease fuel restrictions, signaling continued European support for Ukraine as Washington tries to bring down diesel prices.
Germany will keep its sanctions on Russia in place after the United States temporarily eased restrictions on Russian fuel, the German government said Saturday, underscoring a split in approach as Western allies continue to back Ukraine.
Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said Berlin had taken note of the US decision on Russian diesel deliveries. He said Germany remained committed to the existing sanctions decisions and was working with European partners on additional measures, according to Reuters. He added that German support for Ukraine had not changed and that diplomatic efforts toward a settlement would continue.
US move tied to diesel prices
The German statement followed an announcement on Friday by President Donald Trump that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets. The administration temporarily lifted US sanctions that had been intended to limit Moscow’s energy revenues during its war against Ukraine, according to Reuters.
Diesel is widely used in agriculture, home heating and trucking, and prices have climbed to near-record levels. Reuters reported that the increase has raised political concerns for Republicans ahead of the November 3 congressional elections, which will decide whether the party retains its narrow control of Congress.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv last weekend and has repeatedly said Germany, described by Reuters as Ukraine’s largest European donor, will not reduce its support for the Ukrainian government.
Reporting based on coverage by Reuters.
