Kaja Kallas opposes Trump-Putin deal on Russian oil sanctions

European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas has criticized a recent agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the temporary suspension of sanctions on Russian oil. Kallas warned that easing restrictions on Russian diesel provides Moscow with additional revenue to fund its war in Ukraine.

Kallas noted that Russian attacks have killed over 80 Ukrainian civilians within two days and highlighted intensified hybrid attacks against EU member states and NATO allies. She stated, “Now is not the time to reduce pressure on Russia, and Europe will not do this.”

In response to the deal, which aims to supply U.S. and global markets with hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel to lower fuel prices, EU foreign ministers are expected to approve a broad new package of sanctions against Russia's war machine this Monday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the agreement as “unfair and dishonest,” characterizing it as a gift to Putin.