European Council chief criticizes US move to ease sanctions on Russian oil

Antonio Costa said that the decision by the United States to ease sanctions on Russia’s oil exports is a matter of serious concern for European security.

The President of the European Council made the remarks in a post on the social media platform X, according to Caliber.Az.

The unilateral decision by the US to lift sanctions on Russian oil exports is very concerning, as it impacts European security.

Increasing economic pressure on Russia is decisive for it to accept a serious negotiation for a just and lasting peace.

Weakening sanctions…

— António Costa (@eucopresident) March 13, 2026

“The unilateral decision by the US to lift sanctions on Russian oil exports is very concerning, as it impacts European security,” Costa wrote.

“Increasing economic pressure on Russia is decisive for it to accept a serious negotiation for a just and lasting peace,” he added.

“Weakening sanctions increases Russian resources to wage the war of aggression against Ukraine,” Costa said.

Earlier, it was reported that on Thursday, March 12, the administration of Donald Trump issued a new license allowing countries to temporarily purchase certain types of Russian oil.

By Tamilla Hasanova