EU warns lifting Russian diesel sanctions will fund Ukraine war

The European Union's foreign policy chief has warned that lifting sanctions on Russian diesel could fuel Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine. President Donald Trump recently announced an agreement between Russia and the United States for a major release of diesel fuel, aimed at lowering energy costs before the US midterm elections. Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, stated that suspending sanctions on Russian diesel would provide the Kremlin with additional revenues to sustain its aggression.

She emphasized that now is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, as Europe remains committed to maintaining its sanctions against Moscow. In response to Trump's diesel deal, the European Commission called for a ceasefire that would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia. The EU's executive branch stressed that Europe recognizes the hidden costs of overreliance on Russian hydrocarbons and does not wish to contribute to Russia's war against Ukraine.