The federal government wants to maintain sanctions against Russia even after Trump's diesel deal

In response to a diesel agreement between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, the federal government is emphasizing its full adherence to the Russia sanctions.

“The federal government is sticking to the sanctions decisions against Russia and is working with its European partners on further sanctions,” emphasized government spokesman Stefan Kornelius in Berlin. “Ukraine’s support in its defensive battle remains unbroken.”

A spokeswoman for Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) also said in Berlin: “Germany fully supports the sanctions packages.”

Russian oil and crude oil products have been sanctioned by the EU since 2023. Since then, Germany has not purchased any oil or oil products from Russia. “Our supply here is diversified, we are independent of Russian oil,” said the spokeswoman. Security of supply has been guaranteed since then.

After a conversation with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement to deliver hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel from Russia. The USA wants to temporarily lift sanctions against Russian diesel. The Kremlin confirmed the deal.

Trump is currently under great pressure in the USA due to increased fuel prices ahead of the important midterm elections in less than a month.

Kornelius said: “The federal government has taken note of the US decision regarding Russian diesel deliveries.” Reich's spokeswoman made a corresponding statement. However, their position and that of their European partners regarding the sanctions are clear. “The diplomatic work on a peace solution will continue,” Kornelius continued.

At the beginning of October, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Economics Minister Reiche, accompanied by entrepreneurs from the arms and energy sectors, visited the Ukrainian capital Kiev, which is constantly being attacked by Russia.

Green Party leader Franziska Brantner sharply criticized Trump's course in a statement: "First start a war against Iran without a recognizable plan, which drives up energy prices worldwide - and then make a deal with the warmonger Putin, of all people, to cushion the consequences before the midterms - it couldn't be more unscrupulous," said the Green Party leader.

Meanwhile, the Fuels and Energy trade association does not expect the diesel deal with Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin announced by US President Donald Trump to have any major impact on prices at German gas stations. “There has been a ban on the import of Russian diesel into the EU since February 5, 2023. It remains that way,” said a spokesman. “In view of the volumes agreed according to the reports, we do not expect any significant impact on the global market and prices.”

Data from the fuel price portal Tankerkönig also showed no major fluctuations until Saturday afternoon. Before and after the usual jump at lunchtime, the price of diesel - and also premium gasoline - was very close to the values ​​at the same time on Friday.