Canada, Germany and Norway oppose US move on Russian oil

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined the leaders of Germany and Norway on Friday, March 13, in publicly criticising the administration of Donald Trump over its decision to temporarily lift some sanctions on Russian oil, exposing a rare open rift between the United States and several key NATO allies.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Bardufoss, Norway, Carney appeared alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The three leaders were attending the 14-nation NATO military exercise Cold Response, being held in Norway’s Arctic region, as per Politico.

During the briefing, all three argued that easing sanctions on Russian oil risks undermining efforts to pressure Russia into negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine.

Their remarks marked a clear public break with Washington’s decision, even as US forces were participating in the same NATO war games designed to demonstrate allied unity and deterrence toward Russia as the Ukraine war enters its fifth year.

Merz said he had been surprised by the US move.

“I was surprised to wake up Friday to this decision, which was obviously taken in D.C. last night,” he said, adding in agreement with Støre: “We should put more pressure on Russia.”

Carney said Canada shared that position.

“Entirely agree. Canada’s position is to maintain sanctions on Russia … including on the shadow fleet, which is moving this oil,” he said, speaking as the leaders stood before a backdrop of heavy military equipment.

Carney also pointed to growing ties between Moscow and Iran.

“There’s been very tight cooperation between Russia and Iran, at great cost to the people of Ukraine and a great threat to peace and security in Europe. And this group, under the leadership of the two gentlemen to my right, and a broader coalition — Coalition of the Willing — has stood up to that,” he said.

The US decision came late Thursday, when Washington temporarily lifted some sanctions on Russian oil in an attempt to help lower global energy prices as the conflict in the Middle East continues. The measure would allow the delivery and sale of Russian oil that had been stranded at sea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized the move on Friday, calling it “not very logical.”

Speaking in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelenskyy warned that easing sanctions could strengthen Russia financially.

“The lifting of sanctions means that [Russia] will receive more money and there will be more drone attacks” in the Middle East, Zelenskyy said.

“Russia will get money for its war machine, and there are a lot of drones that are built on Russian soil to destabilize the Middle East,” he added.

In northern Norway, the three leaders were also asked whether the United States could still be trusted as a partner on Arctic and northern security issues.

“Yes,” Støre replied without hesitation, with Carney echoing the response.

Carney pointed to the long-standing military cooperation between Canada and the United States through NORAD, the joint North American air defense command.

Støre likewise stressed that security cooperation in the Arctic serves US interests as well, describing it as a “net positive for the security of the United States.”

However, when pressed on whether Washington’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil could affect that partnership, the Norwegian leader acknowledged the disagreement.

“We have made it clear that we disagree with that decision. And, you know, disagreements appear among countries. Let’s be honest about that,” Støre said.

By Tamilla Hasanova