BERLIN: Germany said on Saturday it would maintain sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Washington had temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel.
“The federal government has taken note of the US decision relating to Russian diesel deliveries,” government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in a statement.
“The federal government remains committed to the decisions on sanctions against Russia and is working with its European partners on further sanctions,” he said.
Kornelius added that Germany’s support for Ukraine remained unchanged and that diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the conflict would continue.
Trump said on Friday that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets in an effort to lower fuel prices. He said his administration had temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel, which were intended to deprive Moscow of revenue to finance its war against Ukraine.
Diesel prices, which affect agriculture, home heating and road transport, have risen to near-record levels, posing a political risk for Trump’s fellow Republicans ahead of the November 3 congressional elections. The vote will determine whether Republicans retain their narrow control of Congress.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who visited Kyiv last weekend, has repeatedly said Germany would not reduce its support for Ukraine, which is the country’s largest European donor.
