Germany Rejects Easing Russia Sanctions After Trump-Putin Diesel Deal

Germany has rejected easing sanctions on Russia following US President Donald Trump’s decision to partially lift restrictions on Russian oil to allow diesel purchases, DW reported on October 12.

German Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson Josef Hinterseher stated that Berlin believes pressure on Moscow should be increased rather than reduced, particularly after a week in which more than 150 Ukrainian civilians were killed.

Trump had announced an agreement with the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, on October 9 allowing Russia to supply diesel to US and international markets. The arrangement included an immediate shipment of more than 300,000 tons, followed by larger deliveries in November and afterward.

“Our conviction is that now is precisely the right time to increase pressure on Russia, not reduce it, especially given that Ukraine’s civilian population has experienced one of the deadliest weeks since the start of the war, at least this year,” Hinterseher stated.

Canada has also criticized the US-Russia diesel agreement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that the deal could provide Moscow with additional revenue to finance its war against Ukraine and stated that Ottawa would maintain economic pressure on Russia.

According to DW, Berlin views the US decision as a signal that reduces pressure on Putin while Russian attacks on Ukraine continue.

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“Putin is not demonstrating any serious willingness to negotiate and is intensifying his attacks on Ukraine,” Hinterseher stated. “Now is not the time to weaken sanctions against Russia. On the contrary, we must continue increasing pressure on Russia.”

DW noted that Germany’s Economy Ministry and federal government had also confirmed a day earlier that Berlin would continue adhering to sanctions against Russia, including restrictions targeting its oil sector.

Earlier on October 12, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had already refrained from striking Russian energy facilities after Trump announced an immediate energy ceasefire, while Russia continued attacking Ukrainian gas and power infrastructure. He emphasized that any energy truce must be reciprocal.

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