Three prominent world leaders, including representatives from the G7, expressed a united front on Friday against the Trump administration’s move to relax sanctions on Russia’s clandestine fleet of oil tankers. Mark Carney of Canada, Friedrich Merz of Germany, and Jonas Støre of Norway arrived at a simulated battleground in northern Norway aboard an armored vehicle to observe NATO’s extensive Cold Response exercise, involving over 30,000 military personnel. The leaders were particularly critical of the U.S. decision to ease sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet, a move that caught them by surprise.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the temporary waiver of sanctions as a measure to stabilize global energy markets amidst tensions arising from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The G7 leaders, except for the U.S., were against lifting the sanctions on Russia during their virtual meeting earlier in the week. Merz expressed disappointment at the American government’s decision, emphasizing that six out of seven leaders opposed the move.
Carney reiterated Canada’s stance on maintaining sanctions against Russia, including those on the shadow fleet facilitating oil transportation. Støre emphasized the need for increased pressure on Russia rather than easing sanctions. The leaders witnessed a demonstration of military strength influenced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine during the NATO exercise, which features civilian participation to simulate real-world scenarios. The exercise is set to continue until March 19.