Energy crisis: Federal government on Trump's diesel deal: No oil from Russia

The US President, who is under domestic political pressure, announces a diesel agreement with Putin. The federal government's reaction is not long in coming.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (both CDU) were only in Kiev at the beginning of October. (Archive image) Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Berlin. 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) 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.

Merz and Reiche “take note” of the deal

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.