Politicians of Germany’s black‑red coalition sharply criticized the United States’ decision to temporarily ease trade restrictions on Russian oil.
CDU foreign‑policy spokesperson Roderich Kiesewetter told the “Rheinische Post” that the move benefits Russia in three ways. First, it increases Russian revenues that feed the invasion’s war machine. Second, it weakens the sanctions regime, allowing Russia to diversify its customer base. Third, it serves as cognitive warfare, deepening divisions between the United States and Europe. Kiesewetter warned that the loosening of sanctions “contradicts Europe’s core security interests” because it serves the aggressor. At the same time he urged Europeans to be more self‑critical, noting that Germany still has many more opportunities to support Ukraine and curb Russia’s shadow fleet, yet it has not fully exploited them.
Criticism also came from the SPD. SPD foreign‑policy spokesperson Adis Ahmetovic said that President Trump’s decision helps the Kremlin better finance its war against Ukraine. “Two unjust wars benefit each other because both rulers fight for their own interests” he remarked, underscoring the need for Europe and other global powers to unite in a common alliance.
The administration’s decision to permit, on a temporary basis, the sale of Russian crude in light of sharply rising energy prices has drawn sharp dissent from the opposition as well. Left Party chair Ines Schwerdtner described the United States’ solidarity with Ukraine as “hypocritical”. She argued that re‑introducing Russian oil to the market exposes the dual standards of US policy: on one hand, Russia’s aggression is rightly condemned; on the other hand, Moscow is allowed to sell oil again once prices rise. Schwerdtner said this sends a “fatal false signal” implying that violations of international law become tolerated when they are economically inconvenient. She called for ending dependence on oil and gas, insisting that stable energy prices require expanding renewable energy and limiting the market power of large energy conglomerates.