Europe criticises US waiver on Russian oil sanctions

2026-03-13 - 15:54

The United States has issued a 30-day sanctions waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil stranded at sea, prompting sharp criticism from European leaders who warned the decision could increase revenue for Moscow during the war in Ukraine. The waiver, announced by the US Treasury, allows countries to buy Russian crude oil and petroleum products that were loaded onto vessels on or before March 12. The authorisation remains valid until April 11, according to the licence published by the Treasury Department.