German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called it wrong for the United States to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil in order to lower oil prices.
He made this statement at a press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
According to Merz, the leaders of the G7 countries discussed with the American president the issue of oil and gas supplies from Russia.
“Six members of the Group of Seven have expressed a very clear view that this is not the right signal. This morning we learned that the American government has apparently taken a different decision. I repeat, we believe this is wrong,” the Chancellor said.
According to him, the problem is not a shortage of supplies, but prices.
“In this context, I would like to know what other motives prompted the American government to make this decision. After all, it is temporary. Above all this is the question: when will this war end and with what strategy will it be concluded? These questions have not yet been given real answers,” Merz said.
The Chancellor noted that it is necessary to ensure that “Russia does not use the war in Iran to weaken Ukraine.”
He also believes that there is no reason to think about military support for sea routes now.
“I want to say again very clearly: Germany is not participating in this war, and we do not want it. In this context, all our efforts are aimed at ending the war. This is what we are talking about with both the American government and the Israeli government,” he said.
On March 12, the United States issued a 30-day license to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea. The U.S. Treasury Department believes this will help stabilize global energy markets.