{"id":2579459,"date":"2026-03-13T10:14:01","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T14:14:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/european-leaders-united-in-opposing-us-easing-sanctions-on-russian-oil\/"},"modified":"2026-03-13T10:15:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T14:15:31","slug":"european-leaders-united-in-opposing-us-easing-sanctions-on-russian-oil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/european-leaders-united-in-opposing-us-easing-sanctions-on-russian-oil\/","title":{"rendered":"European leaders united in opposing US easing sanctions on Russian oil"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Feuropean-leaders-united-in-opposing-us-easing-sanctions-on-russian-oil%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2579459&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>European leaders publicly opposed the United States\u2019 decision to temporarily ease sanctions on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/hunter-was-just-one-spawn-of-the-powerful-who-occupied-a-network-that-might-be-called-family-inc\/\" title=\"Hunter Was Just One Spawn Of The Powerful Who Occupied A Network That Might Be Called \u2018Family, Inc.\u2019\">russian oil<\/a> to mitigate the energy impact of the Iran conflict, arguing there is a price problem rather than a supply problem and warning the waiver could help Moscow fund its war in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking alongside Norwegian Prime minister Jonas Gahr St\u00f8re, said the move was surprising and against the wishes of the G7, while others such as Antonio Costa, Emmanuel Macron, and Ursula von der Leyen stressed that continuing economic pressure on Russia is essential and returning to Russian energy would be a strategic mistake. The debate unfolds as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tours Europe seeking stronger support, and Europe faces higher energy prices, with leaders insisting that Europe must maintain its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/british-foreign-minister-we-will-maximize-every-last-second-on-getting-the-remainder-of-citizens-out-of-afghanistan\/\" title=\"British Foreign Minister: We will maximize every last second on getting the remainder of citizens out of Afghanistan\">long-term strategy<\/a> of sanctions and diversification despite short-term costs.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">European leaders united in opposing US easing sanctions on Russian oil<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2523068\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/europe\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"81\">European<\/a> leaders presented a united front in criticizing the U.S. decision to ease sanctions on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/russia\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"80\">Russian<\/a> oil to lessen the impact of the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/iran\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"100\">Iran<\/a> war on global <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/section\/policy\/energy\/\" type=\"category\" id=\"35\">energy<\/a> markets.<\/p>\n<p>European leaders have been divided on the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran but are united in their desire to continue a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >maximum pressure campaign<\/a> against Russia over its war with Ukraine. After the United States gave a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil on Thursday due to the war in Iran, European leaders were quick to denounce the move.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4490912\/hegseth-pours-doubt-ability-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei\/\">Hegseth pours doubt on ability of new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/premium\/4489947\/taiwan-cultural-revolution-progressives-china\/\">Western-style progressivism comes to Taiwan, challenging its national identity<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/premium\/4489176\/how-israeli-experiencing-war-against-iran\/\">How Israelis are experiencing the latest war with Iran<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;We think that&rsquo;s wrong,&rdquo; German Chancellor <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/friedrich-merz\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"11796\">Friedrich Merz<\/a> said at a press conference alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr St&oslash;re. &ldquo;There is currently a price problem, but not a supply problem. And in that regard, I would like to know what other factors led the U.S. government to make this decision.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>He disclosed that the move came as a shock and was against the wishes of the Group of Seven leaders, as expressed during a video call with President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"4\">Donald Trump<\/a> on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We want to ensure that Russia does not exploit the war in Iran to weaken Ukraine,&rdquo; Merz said. &ldquo;Nor will we allow Moscow to test NATO on its eastern flank and up here in the north.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Ant&oacute;nio Costa, president of the European Council, criticized the U.S. decision on social media, saying the unabated continuation of economic pressure on Russia was vital to ending the war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Increasing economic pressure on Russia is decisive for it to accept a serious negotiation for a just and lasting peace,&rdquo; Costa said. &ldquo;Weakening sanctions increases Russian resources to wage the war of aggression against Ukraine.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Speaking before the announcement of the lifting of Russian sanctions, French President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/emmanuel-macron\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1303\">Emmanuel Macron<\/a> also denounced the possibility. He said the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz would &ldquo;in no way justify lifting the sanctions&rdquo; on Russia.<\/p>\n<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen similarly preempted the move by denouncing the possibility in a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Germany. After highlighting the negative effects experienced by Europe over the crisis, she argued against the urge to return to cheap Russian energy.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Yet in the current crisis, some argue that we should abandon our long-term strategy and even go back to Russian fossil fuels,&rdquo; von der Leyen said. &ldquo;This would be a strategic blunder. It would make us more dependent, more vulnerable, and weaker.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4486551\/europe-flails-response-iran-conflict-strait-of-hormuz\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"4486551\">EUROPE FLAILS IN RESPONSE TO IRAN CONFLICT AS STRAIT OF HORMUZ CLOSURE THREATENS ENERGY SUPPLY<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The comments by European leaders come as Ukrainian President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/volodymyr-zelensky\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"891\">Volodymyr Zelensky<\/a> continues his diplomatic tour of Europe, aiming to shore up allied support as the war with Russia continues to drag on with no end in sight. He met with Macron on Friday, after which the French president is likely to increase his pleas to the U.S. to reaffirm sanctions on Russian oil.<\/p>\n<p>Europe has been acutely hit by the war in Iran, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/economists-bidens-policies-to-lift-oil-and-gas-prices-hurt-u-s-households\/\" title=\"Economists: Biden\u2019s policies to lift oil and gas prices, hurt U.S. households\">gas prices<\/a> more than doubling. Despite the popular backlash this is bound to trigger, European leaders are so far united in viewing their support for Ukraine as a higher priority than cheaper energy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>EU leaders unite to oppose easing Russian oil sanctions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2653,"featured_media":2579460,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/merz-iran.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[75722,71857,75721,75723,75720],"class_list":["post-2579459","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-eu-energy-policy","tag-european-leaders-2","tag-russian-oil-2","tag-sanctions-policy","tag-united-against-us-sanctions"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/merz-iran.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2579459","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2653"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2579459"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2579459\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2579463,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2579459\/revisions\/2579463"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2579460"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2579459"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2579459"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2579459"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}