Germany's Merz criticizes Trump over easing Russian oil sanctions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered sharp criticism Friday of the US decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil, questioning the motives behind a move that contradicts allied efforts to pressure Moscow. Speaking at a joint news conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Merz argued that pressure on Russia should be intensified, not relaxed, to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

G7 consensus ignored

Merz revealed that the issue of Russian oil and gas supplies was discussed during a G7 leaders' video call on Wednesday, where a clear consensus emerged among six members against any relaxation of sanctions. "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," the chancellor stated, highlighting Washington's unilateral action despite allied opposition.

Price problems, not supply problems

The German leader pushed back against any suggestion that the sanctions relief was necessary due to supply constraints. "Once again, we believe this is the wrong move. There is currently a price problem, not a supply problem," Merz asserted. His remarks challenge the Trump administration's rationale that temporary purchases of stranded Russian oil are needed to stabilize energy markets amid the Iran conflict and resulting Strait of Hormuz closure.

Questions over US motives

Merz explicitly questioned what other considerations may have influenced Washington's decision. "In that respect, I would like to know what other motives led the US administration to make this decision," he said. The criticism underscores growing transatlantic tensions over how to balance energy security concerns with maintaining pressure on Russia, as the Ukraine war enters its fourth year and Middle East conflict creates new complications for global energy markets.