Merz calls U.S. decision to ease sanctions against Russia mistake

German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is convinced that the U.S. decision to temporarily allow the purchase of Russian oil runs counter to the interests of Ukraine and Europe, and that sanctions against Russia must be tightened.

He made these remarks at a joint press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in Berlin, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.

The wars in Iran and Ukraine are interconnected. Russia, of course, is closely monitoring developments surrounding Iran. Russia will seize any opportunity to test NATO and weaken Ukraine. That is why the EU believes it is wrong for Washington to have eased restrictive measures on the sale of Russian oil, the chancellor said.

He emphasized the need to intensify sanctions pressure on Russia, stating that the EU would not choose that path and would continue to strengthen its sanctions pressure on Russia.

According to Merz, Washington’s current concessions to Russia will not lead to a sustained drop in energy prices, but for Ukraine, this is a harmful and wrong signal. This is also detrimental to our European security, he added.

As reported by Ukrinform, the United States has decided to suspend sanctions on the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products loaded onto ships before March 12 for one month.

Photo: European Union