Germany has criticised the United States for easing some sanctions on Russian oil, warning the move could help finance Russia’s war in Ukraine, Al Jazeera reports.

Speaking during a visit to Norway, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Washington has taken the wrong approach as energy prices rise due to the war waged by the US and Israel against Iran.

“Easing sanctions now, for whatever reason, is wrong. We believe that is the wrong course of action,” Merz has said.

He added that European leaders want to prevent Moscow from using the war involving Iran to weaken Ukraine.

Opinion

Editorial

Larijani’s killing
Updated 19 Mar, 2026

Larijani’s killing

The late Larijani was one of the most powerful men in Iran — a thinker and a soldier.
War’s hunger toll
19 Mar, 2026

War’s hunger toll

THE conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continues to widen with far-reaching repercussions.The UN’s World ...
Let them in
Updated 19 Mar, 2026

Let them in

THE government need not be so difficult. Former prime minister Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, have not ...
Exit strategy
Updated 18 Mar, 2026

Exit strategy

MOST members of the international community, particularly states in the greater Middle East, are gravely concerned...
Unsafe trains
18 Mar, 2026

Unsafe trains

SUNDAY’S accident involving the Shalimar Express has once again brought into sharp focus the deep structural and...
Disappointment in Dhaka
18 Mar, 2026

Disappointment in Dhaka

FOR a side looking for lift-off after a disappointing T20 World Cup, it was despair for Shaheen Shah Afridi’s ...