Carney joins European leaders in criticizing US easing of Russian oil sanctions

Source: Politico

03/13/2026 02:00 PM EDT


Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined the leaders of Germany and Norway on Friday in criticizing the Trump administration’s decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil, exposing a public split between Washington and key NATO allies.

At a joint press conference in Bardufoss, Norway, where the three leaders were attending the 14-nation NATO exercise Cold Response, Carney, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz argued that sanctions relief would weaken efforts to force Russia to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

The three NATO leaders were publicly breaking with Washington over the Trump administration’s decision to ease some sanctions on Russian oil. The split came as the U.S. took part in NATO wargaming in Norway’s Arctic region meant to demonstrate allied resolve against Russia as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year.

Merz said he was surprised to wake up Friday to the U.S. decision, “which was obviously taken in D.C. last night.” Echoing Støre, the German leader added: “We should put more pressure on Russia.” Carney aligned Canada with that position. “Entirely agree. Canada’s position is to maintain sanctions on Russia … including on the shadow fleet, which is moving this oil,” the prime minister said, as the three leaders spoke against a backdrop of heavy military armament.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/13/carney-russian-oil-sanctions-us-nato-00828041