Merz calls US decision on Russia a mistake and seeks explanation
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Any steps aimed at easing sanctions pressure against Russia are wrong. According to the chancellor, the market currently faces a pricing problem rather than a shortage of supply.
"There is currently a problem with prices, but not with supply. And in that respect, I would like to know what other factors led the US government to take this decision," he said.
He also added that Germany is not a party to the war and does not seek to become involved in the conflict.
"Let me make this very clear once again: Germany is not part of this war, and we do not wish to become one," Friedrich Merz concluded.
US eases oil sanctions against Russia: Details
In February, Russia’s revenues from oil exports fell to their lowest level since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, on March 13, it became known that the United States had made a temporary decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil and petroleum products.
Third countries are now allowed to purchase oil from the aggressor state, but only cargoes that were loaded onto tankers before March 12 and are already at sea. The authorization will remain in effect for one month and covers approximately 124 million barrels of oil.
A diplomatic source told RBC-Ukraine that such a step by the United States will not help stabilize global markets but will help the Russian government wage war longer. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed a similar view, saying the Kremlin could earn up to $10 billion to finance the war.
