Germany will not ease sanctions against Russia following the US’s temporary authorisation of certain transactions involving Russian diesel fuel. Federal Government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius stated on 10 October that Berlin would adhere to the existing restrictions, prepare new ones in conjunction with its European partners, and maintain its support for Ukraine.
Briefly about the main points
- Berlin is maintaining the existing economic sanctions against Moscow.
- Germany will work with Europe on further sanctions.
- OFAC has authorised certain transactions involving Russian diesel until April 2027.
- Washington explained the decision as being driven by the need to curb rising fuel prices.
- Germany has confirmed that it will continue to provide military and financial support to Ukraine.
Berlin will not follow Washington’s approach
Cornelius stated that the federal government had taken note of the US administration’s decision, but did not plan to adjust its own sanctions policy. According to him, Germany and will continue to work alongside its European partners to tighten restrictions against Moscow.
The German sanctions were imposed in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The German Government will also continue its diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the Russian-Ukrainian war to an end.
What does a US provisional licence entail?
On 9 October, the US President Donald Trump stated that he had reached an agreement with Vladimir Putin about an increase in supplies of Russian diesel fuel to the US and international markets. Following this, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General Licence No. 135.
The document authorises the sale, delivery, unloading and import of diesel of Russian origin, in particular to the United States. The authorisation is temporary and will remain in force until 7 April 2027.
The licence does not lift all US sanctions against Russia. In particular, it does not permit the withdrawal of funds from accounts held by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the Russian National Wealth Fund and the Russian Ministry of Finance at US financial institutions.
Washington hopes to influence prices, but experts are sceptical
The US administration links the authorisation to its aim of increasing the supply of fuel and curbing price rises. Reuters reported that diesel prices had approached record levels, putting further pressure on consumers and businesses in the US.
The decision was taken less than a month before the US mid-term congressional elections, scheduled for 3 November 2026. Energy experts interviewed by the Associated Press believe that redistributing existing volumes across markets may not increase overall supply and does not guarantee a significant, sustained fall in prices.
Germany has reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine
Cornelius stated that Germany’s military and financial support for Ukraine would remain unchanged. The Chancellor Friedrich Merz He had also previously emphasised that Berlin would not be cutting back on this aid.
Germany is supplying Ukraine with air defence systems, ammunition and other equipment, and is helping to fund defence efforts and international diplomatic initiatives. The German Government is combining this approach with the coordination of further sanctions measures with other European countries.
