Three global leaders, including two from the G7, joined forces in denouncing the Trump administration’s move to relax sanctions on Russia’s concealed fleet of oil tankers. Mark Carney of Canada, Friedrich Merz of Germany, and Jonas Støre of Norway arrived at a snowy simulated battleground in a military vehicle to observe NATO’s extensive Cold Response exercise in northern Norway. This exercise involves over 30,000 military personnel. The leaders expressed strong disapproval towards the sudden decision to ease sanctions on Russia’s operational fleet by the U.S. government, which was justified as a measure to stabilize global energy markets amidst ongoing conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, Iran, and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
While U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the temporary waiver as a means to promote market stability without significant financial benefits to Russia, G7 discussions revealed a majority consensus against lifting the sanctions on Russia. Merz criticized the decision, expressing surprise at the American government’s change in stance. Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to maintaining sanctions on Russia, particularly on the shadow fleet involved in oil transportation, citing the detrimental impact of Russian-Iranian cooperation on Ukraine and European peace and security.
Støre emphasized the necessity of increasing pressure on Russia rather than easing it. The military demonstration witnessed by the leaders was heavily influenced by the conflict in Ukraine, with Norwegian defense officials highlighting the inclusion of hundreds of civilians in the war game scenario to simulate real-world crisis responses. The importance of considering civilian impacts during conflicts, as seen in Ukraine, was underscored by defense expert Keir Giles. The NATO exercise is scheduled to continue until March 19.
