Antonio Costa warns easing U.S. sanctions on Russian oil could boost Moscow’s war effort
Costa criticized the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Russian oil exports (Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko)
European Council President Antonio Costa said a U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Russian oil exports could give Moscow more resources to continue its war against Ukraine, writing on X on March 13.
“The unilateral decision by the United States to lift sanctions on Russian oil exports raises serious concern because it affects European security,” Costa said.
According to him, increasing economic pressure on Russia is a key factor that could force Moscow to agree to serious negotiations on a just and lasting peace.
He also stressed that easing sanctions “increases Russia’s resources to continue the war against Ukraine.”
On March 10, it was reported that the White House temporarily allowed India to purchase Russian oil to avoid disruptions in the global market. U.S. officials believe this “will not bring Moscow significant financial benefit.”
Sources told Axios that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron urged U.S. President Donald Trump not to ease sanctions on Russian oil.
Earlier, Reuters reported that the U.S. administration is considering easing oil sanctions against Russia to help curb rising global energy prices caused by the war against Iran.
According to the agency’s sources, the discussions could include both broader sanctions relief and narrower measures that would allow certain countries, such as India, to buy Russian oil without fearing U.S. sanctions, including tariffs.
On Feb. 28, the first day of the U.S. and Israeli military operation against Iran, reports said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had allegedly banned ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
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