Canada joins criticism of US over Russia sanctions rollback
Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney (photo: Getty Images)
Leaders of Canada, Germany, and Norway sharply criticized the Trump administration's decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil, Politico reports.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre issued a joint statement during NATO's Exercise Cold Response in Bardufoss, Norway.
The leaders argued that easing restrictions undermines Western efforts to pressure Russia into negotiations and to end the war in Ukraine.
"Canada's position is to maintain sanctions on Russia … including on the shadow fleet, which is moving this oil," Carney said at a press conference.
Threats to European security
The Canadian prime minister emphasized that cooperation between Russia and Iran poses a direct threat to European security. He added that such interactions come at a high cost to the Ukrainian people, meaning pressure on Russia must only increase.
Carney noted that Canada, together with European partners, will continue acting within the Coalition of the Willing to counter Russian energy revenues that finance the war.
The public stance of the three leaders, delivered amid displays of heavy weaponry, sent a clear message to the White House. European capitals and Ottawa view oil revenues as a key Kremlin resource, and any easing of sanctions in this sector is premature and dangerous.
Germany and Norway have also voiced opposition to Trump's plan. Chancellor Merz called the US decision to ease restrictions on Russian oil purchases a mistake, despite the potential for higher energy prices.
US decision on oil sanctions: Details
Economists report that in February, Russia's oil export revenues fell to their lowest level since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, on March 13, the United States announced a temporary easing of sanctions on Russian oil and petroleum products.
A diplomatic source said that the move will not stabilize global markets but will help the Kremlin prolong the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed this view, noting that Moscow could earn up to $10 billion to finance the war.
