US President Donald Trump defended his deal with Moscow to suspend export sanctions on Russian fuel, calling it “the right choice” and accusing Europe of hypocrisy for continuing to import Russian energy.
Both Republicans and Democrats have criticized the agreement, which could direct some $4 billion in US funds to Moscow. The EU’s top diplomat said it was “not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won’t.” The bloc unveiled its largest sanctions package to date on Monday against entities accused of supporting Russia’s war efforts.
“Having lambasted India and China for buying Russian oil, and threatened sanctions over their purchases, Trump is now seeking to facilitate Russian diesel exports himself,” the Financial Times’ editorial board wrote.
— Brendan Ruberry