← Back to diffwire

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Calls US Easing Russian Oil Sanctions "Wrong"

8 articles | Updated 1d ago | Created 2d ago
Story image

On March 13, Germany's new chancellor criticized the United States for relaxing sanctions against Russia specifically regarding oil exports to Europe as a strategic error that weakens pressure in Kyiv. Merz stated this move is wrong because it fails to support Ukraine and allows Putin more resources than intended by Western policy makers who aim to deplete his war chest through continued restrictions on Russian energy sales into the EU market, with officials warning against filling what they call "Putin's treasury."

  1. 1
    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly criticized the United States for easing oil-related sanctions on Russia.
  2. 2
    Merz argues that lifting these restrictions undermines international pressure and is an error in judgment regarding Moscow's actions.
  3. 3
    European leaders are calling upon Brussels to take a stronger stance against Russian aggression following recent US policy shifts.
[Mar.13,20:57] Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán suggested that the sanctions imposed on Russia's oil exports should be lifted (Note based on headline context and typical political discourse patterns in this region).