MOSCOW, Mar 13, (V7N) – Russia on Friday called on the United States to ease more sanctions on its oil exports to help stabilize global energy markets, disrupted by the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The U.S. has already relaxed some restrictions imposed over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, sparking criticism from Western allies who argue that Moscow’s oil revenues fund its war effort.

US‑Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks have effectively shut down transit through the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil prices above $100 a barrel. Washington has temporarily allowed the sale of Russian oil already at sea to cool prices.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said U.S. and Russian interests had “aligned” over stabilizing the market, adding: “Without significant volumes of Russian oil, market stabilisation is impossible.”
Sanctions Relief ‘Inevitable’

Russia’s economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev said it was “increasingly inevitable” that Washington would lift more sanctions, noting that without Russian oil, global stability could not be maintained. Rising oil prices could help Moscow offset widening budget deficits caused by heavy military spending.

European leaders pushed back against the U.S. move. French President Emmanuel Macron said the Hormuz shutdown “in no way” justified easing sanctions on Russia. German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche warned that the policy risked “filling Putin’s war chest.”

On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury issued a licence authorizing delivery and sale of Russian crude loaded before March 12, valid until April 11. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insisted the measure was “narrowly tailored” and would not provide significant financial benefit to Moscow.

The EU banned maritime imports of Russian crude in 2022, while pipeline exports via Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia remain blocked after Russian strikes damaged the Druzhba pipeline.

Norway’s Energy Minister Terje Aasland said soaring prices could reopen debate inside the EU about banning Russian gas imports, scheduled for 2027.

President Vladimir Putin earlier offered to supply oil to Europe if sanctions were lifted, but only on a “long‑term” basis free from political pressure.

END/WD/RH