EU Warns Easing Russian Diesel Sanctions Will Fund Moscow’s War In Ukraine

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Saturday criticised the United States’ decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel, warning that the move would provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its war against Ukraine.

“Russian strikes killed over 80 Ukrainian civilians in two days. Moreover, it has stepped up its hybrid attacks against Europe, both EU Member States and NATO allies,” Kallas wrote in a social media post.

“Suspending sanctions on Russian diesel provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war. This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won’t,” she added.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Russia had agreed to a major release of diesel supplies as Washington eased sanctions on Moscow in an effort to bring down energy costs ahead of the US midterm elections.

The decision triggered a strong reaction from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and tightening economic pressure on Russia.

EU foreign ministers are scheduled to formally add around 1,600 individuals and entities to the bloc’s sanctions blacklist on Monday over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Separately, the European Commission called for a ceasefire covering critical infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia following Trump’s announcement.

“We continue to believe that a ceasefire which would protect global food supplies and Energy Infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia is needed,” the Commission said.

The EU executive also warned against excessive dependence on Russian energy supplies, saying: “Europe knows too well the hidden costs linked to over reliance on Russian hydrocarbons, and Europe does not wish to fuel Russia’s war against Ukraine.”