Maximilian Kra, a member of the German Bundestag representing the «Alternative for Germany» (AfD) party, stated that the United States had effectively changed its stance on Russia’s war against Ukraine and had moved closer to Moscow. In an interview with Clash Report, the politician linked this conclusion to the agreement between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on the supply of Russian diesel fuel to the American and global markets. According to Kra, this deal both provides Russia with additional revenue and puts pressure on Ukraine to cease strikes on Russian oil refineries.
- ADH MP Maximilian Kra stated that the US is moving closer to Russia.
- The politician linked the change in the US position to the diesel deal between Trump and Putin.
- Washington has temporarily eased sanctions on Russian fuel.
- Kra believes that the agreement restricts Ukraine’s ability to attack Russian oil refineries.
An AdG MP stated that the US had sided with Russia
German politician Maximilian Kra In an interview with Clash Report, he expressed the view that the administration’s latest decisions Donald Trump indicate a significant shift in US policy regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war.
According to the MP, the agreement to purchase Russian diesel fuel creates a situation in which Washington has a financial stake in the stable operation of the Russian oil industry.
Kra believes that this is why the US is stepping up pressure on Ukraine, demanding that it refrain from striking Russian oil refineries.
«This means that America has switched sides,» said the politician.
He also expressed his belief that the war in Ukraine is drawing to a close, and that Trump is now acting in concert with Putin.
However, these statements reflect the personal views of the AdG representative. There is no evidence to suggest that the United States has officially become an ally of Russia in the war against Ukraine.
Trump has reached an agreement with Putin on the supply of diesel fuel
On 9 October, US President Donald Trump announced that an agreement with Vladimir Putin regarding an increase in supplies of Russian diesel fuel. According to the US President, Russia has agreed to immediately supply over 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and international markets. Additional supplies of 500,000 tonnes in November and a further one million tonnes at a later date were also announced.
To implement the agreements, the Trump administration has temporarily eased US sanctions against Russian fuel. Washington explained the decision by citing the need to curb rising diesel prices, which had increased significantly due to conflicts in the Middle East and disruptions to global supplies of petroleum products.
The agreement has drawn criticism in Ukraine, amongst European politicians and some US lawmakers. They have expressed concern that additional revenue from energy exports could help Russia fund the war.
The US is easing sanctions, whilst Ukraine is resuming attacks on oil refineries
On 15 October, Reuters reported that Donald Trump’s administration is also considering the possibility of easing of sanctions against individual tankers belonging to the so-called «shadow fleet». The aim of the initiative is to increase the number of vessels available for transporting oil and to reduce the cost of maritime logistics. At the same time, the US side emphasises that any potential authorisations must not enable Russia and Iran to increase their shipments of oil subject to sanctions.
On that very day, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the end of a three-day pause in strikes on Russian oil refineries. According to him, Ukraine had agreed to temporarily suspend such attacks at Washington’s request, but Russia had continued to shell Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy also criticised the US’s diesel fuel agreements with Moscow and stressed that Ukraine would respond to Russian attacks.
What is known about Maximilian Kra and the AdH party
Maximilian Kra is a member of the German Bundestag for the «Alternative for Germany» party, which advocates a review of Berlin’s policy towards Russia. He was previously a Member of the European Parliament and has repeatedly criticised European sanctions against Moscow. In his speeches, Kra has supported the idea of restoring economic relations with Russia and emphasised the need for a diplomatic resolution to the war.
The AdH party also opposes some of the restrictions on imports of Russian energy resources, citing Germany’s economic interests as the reason.
15 October, Co-Chair of the AdH Alice Weidel stated that her political party would like to conclude its own diesel deal with Russia, as well as resume supplies of Russian oil and natural gas.
