Von der Leyen Vows Russia Energy Sanctions Stay Despite US Deal

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reaffirmed that European energy sanctions on Russia will remain in place, dismissing any suggestion they could be relaxed following a US-Russia diesel trade agreement. She emphasized that Russia cannot be considered a reliable energy partner for Europe.

Byte's take

Von der Leyen's defiance is less about principle than proving the EU won't fracture when Washington pivots. The Commission chief doubled down on Russia energy sanctions despite a US-Russia diesel deal, keeping Europe's costliest leverage intact against Moscow.