Finnish president says US sanctions relief for Russia is "very damaging"

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has described the easing of US sanctions on Russian oil as "very damaging".

Source: The Telegraph, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Stubb stressed that the decision is causing great harm to Ukraine, as it "basically feeds the Russian war machine".

"The message I've had from the beginning is that we need to do two things: support Ukraine as best we can, financially and militarily, and to put as much pressure on Russia as possible. And of course, sanctions are the key," he said.

Asked whether the United States will reinstate sanctions once the Iran crisis is over, Stubb replied: "I don't have that crystal ball."

He added, however, that US President Donald Trump deserves credit for imposing sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, last year and using tariffs to push India to reduce its imports of Russian energy resources.

However, Stubb said he cannot be certain that US sanctions will return, adding: "We simply don't know at this stage."

Background:

• The US has lifted sanctions on Russian oil on tankers currently at sea. Washington said the move was intended to stabilise global energy markets after oil prices surged due to the US-Israeli war against Iran and Tehran's attacks across the Persian Gulf, which have effectively paralysed oil exports from the region.
• Ukrainian diplomatic sources told European Pravda that the US's decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil will help Russia sustain its war effort for longer.
• Trump has stated, however, that US sanctions on Russian oil will be reinstated once the crisis in the Middle East is over.

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