Germany Sticks to Russia Sanctions After Trump Diesel Announcement

By Reuters Oct. 10, 2026 Natalia Kolesnikova / AFP Germany said on Saturday it would maintain sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine following United States President Donald Trump's announcement that his administration had temporarily lifted U.S. sanctions on Russian fuel. "The federal government has taken note of the U.S. decision relating to Russian diesel deliveries," government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said in a statement. He said Germany's position remained clear: "The federal government remains committed to the decisions on sanctions against Russia and is working with its European partners on further sanctions." He said Germany's support for Ukraine was unchanged and diplomatic efforts to reach a solution would continue. Trump said on Friday that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets in an effort to lower fuel prices. He said his administration temporarily lifted U.S. sanctions on Russian fuel designed to deprive Moscow of revenues for its war on Ukraine. Prices for diesel, used for agriculture, heating homes and trucking, have risen to near record levels, posing a risk for Trump's fellow Republicans ahead of the November 3 congressional elections that will determine whether they maintain thin control of Congress. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who visited Kyiv last weekend, has said repeatedly that Germany, Ukraine's largest European donor, would not reduce its support for the Kyiv government. Read more about: Oil , Sanctions Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more U.S. Oilfield Services Company Weatherford Expands Russia Operations Despite Sanctions – FT The Financial Times identified roughly 100 job postings by Weatherford in Russia since late February, when new U.S. sanctions came into effect. 2 Min read Russian Oil Tankers Idle Off India as Sanctions and U.S. Tariff Threats Disrupt Trade At least four tankers carrying Russian crude are idling off India’s western coast as mounting sanctions and warnings of steep U.S. tariffs disrupt oil... 2 Min read Indian State Refineries Halt Russian Oil Imports – Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that buyers of Russian oil could soon face steep tariffs. 2 Min read EU Moves Toward Floating Price Cap for Russian Oil The floating mechanism aims to respond more effectively to market fluctuations and to undercut Russia’s oil revenues. 2 Min read