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The US decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel fuel trade has no direct impact in Latvia. Although the agreement between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin allows additional supplies of Russian diesel to enter the global market, such shipments are not permitted to pass through Latvian ports, as confirmed to Latvian Television by the State Revenue Service.
Last week, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Vladimir Putin providing for additional supplies of Russian diesel to the global market. To make this possible, Washington has temporarily eased sanctions on the trade in this fuel.
However, this changes nothing in Latvia. European Union sanctions have prohibited the import of Russian diesel since 2022, and following the end of the transition period in February 2023, such shipments have no longer been imported into Latvia. The State Revenue Service’s Customs Administration explained that the ban also applies to transit through Latvian ports.
Meanwhile, the Financial Intelligence Unit pointed out that Russian petroleum products may not be stored temporarily in the European Union either, even if they are intended for onward delivery to other countries.
US President Donald Trump’s decision to import Russian-produced diesel fuel has sparked widespread reactions, as he seeks to reduce fuel prices ahead of the crucial mid-term congressional elections. As a result, Russia will be able to secure additional funds to continue the war in Ukraine.
In recent months, Ukraine has carried out successful strikes against Russian oil refineries deep within the country’s territory. As a result, there are fuel shortages in many parts of Russia, and the government has been forced to impose restrictions on fuel exports.
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