Germany Maintains Russia Sanctions, Seeks New Measures

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday, October 9, 2026, after a phone call with Vladimir Putin, that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel. His administration temporarily eased sanctions on Russian diesel exports to allow the shipments. Trump posted the figure publicly. The Kremlin confirmed the deal. Diesel futures fell 4.5 percent, and U.S. diesel stood near $6.28 a gallon. Prices affecting agriculture, home heating, and trucking were near historic highs ahead of congressional elections on November 3, 2026. On Saturday, German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said the federal government has taken note of the U.S. decision, remains committed to the decisions on sanctions against Russia, and is working with its European partners on further sanctions. He said support for Ukraine in its defensive struggle remains unbroken and diplomatic work toward a peaceful solution continues. A spokeswoman for Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said Germany stands unconditionally by the sanction packages, that its supply is diversified, and that Germany is independent of Russian oil. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Reiche visited Kyiv in early October accompanied by defense and energy business leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the easing of restrictions absent a lasting de-escalation agreement. Germany's sanctions position and the U.S. temporary diesel measure stand without an announced change in Berlin's course.