Germany Maintains Russia Sanctions After Trump Lifts Fuel Ban
Germany will keep sanctions against Russia despite President Donald Trump temporarily lifting U.S. fuel sanctions to lower global diesel prices before the U.S. elections.
The Federal Government of Germany announced Saturday that it will maintain sanctions against Russia, diverging from a recent policy shift by the United States. President Donald Trump temporarily lifted U.S. sanctions on Russian fuel on Friday, citing an agreement by Russia to supply diesel to global markets to reduce fuel prices that have reached near-record levels.
U.S. officials view the price surge as a political risk for Republicans ahead of the November 3 congressional elections. In contrast, German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius stated that Germany remains committed to its sanctions and is collaborating with European partners on further measures.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed that Germany, the largest European donor to Ukraine, will not reduce its support for the Kyiv government. The decision highlights a growing rift in the transatlantic approach to Russian economic pressure as the U.S. prioritizes immediate energy costs.
