EU Criticizes US-Russia Diesel Deal as Funding War; UK Reaffirms Solidarity With Ukraine

▲ U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin

The European Union (EU) on October 10 (local time) criticized the United States' temporary easing of sanctions on Russian diesel, calling it assistance to Russia's war effort.

Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, pointed out on social media on October 10 (local time) that "Russian airstrikes have killed about 80 Ukrainians over the past two days, and Russia has stepped up hybrid attacks against Europe, an EU member and NATO ally."

Kallas emphasized, "Suspending sanctions on Russian diesel provides Russia with more revenue to wage its war," adding, "Now is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe will not do so."

Kallas also stated, "On Monday (the 12th), EU foreign ministers intend to approve the largest sanctions package against Russia's war efforts since the war began."

The previous day, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply large quantities of Russian diesel to the U.S. and global markets, and the U.S. government announced temporary sanctions relief allowing the import of Russian diesel into the U.S.

In a separate statement, the European Commission said, "We continue to believe that a ceasefire is needed in Ukraine and Russia to protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure," adding, "Europe knows all too well the hidden costs of over-reliance on Russian hydrocarbons, and Europe does not want to fuel Russia's war against Ukraine."

Britain and Germany maintained their stance of upholding sanctions against Russia.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasized total solidarity with Ukraine during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on that day, according to the British Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister's Office explained, "The two leaders discussed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia, and the Prime Minister made it clear that the UK will continue to tighten its sanctions against Russia."

Prime Minister Burnham and President Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia must agree to an immediate energy ceasefire, and agreed to continue these discussions in an in-person meeting within a few days, the Prime Minister's Office stated.

Earlier, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office emphasized, "The UK's position is clear.

We will continue to work closely with international partners to ensure Ukraine receives military and financial support for its defense," adding, "We will also maintain pressure on Russia with the largest sanctions package in UK history to raise the cost of Putin's aggression [against Ukraine]."

A German government spokesperson said in a statement sent to AFP, "The German government stands by its sanctions against Russia and is cooperating with European partners on new sanctions," emphasizing, "Germany's support for Ukraine's struggle to defend itself remains unwavering."

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