US President Donald Trump on Saturday defended his administration’s decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russia. Trump justified this step by saying that it aims to achieve stability in global energy markets, especially with the escalation of tensions with Iran.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump stated that the United States is working to secure oil supplies to countries around the world, adding: “I want us to have oil. I want the world to have oil.” He pointed out that the rise in oil prices was a reason to reconsider the restrictions imposed on purchases.
This decision comes more than four years after the imposition of strict Western sanctions on Russia, against the backdrop of its war on Ukraine.
Treasury Secretary Scott Besent announced a few days ago that he would temporarily allow the sale of Russian oil carried on tankers without being subject to sanctions. This measure aims to increase the global supply of oil and limit the rise in prices resulting from the crisis situation with Iran. This temporary exemption is scheduled to continue until next April 11.
However, this decision sparked criticism from Germany and Ukraine’s allies, who stressed the importance of continuing to put pressure on Russia to force it to end its war against Ukraine.
