The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued a general license easing some sanctions related to transactions with Russia's energy sector. The license, published on March 13, 2026, permits certain administrative and banking activities necessary for the wind-down of transactions involving specific Russian entities, including Rosneft Trading and TNK Trading International, by May 31, 2026.
The move, described as a technical adjustment to facilitate an orderly termination of existing business, was criticized by German opposition leader Friedrich Merz. In a statement on March 14, Merz, head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), called the decision "wrong" and expressed disappointment, stating it undermined a unified Western stance against Russia.
Merz's comments, reported by Politico, highlighted concerns that the U.S. action could signal a weakening of the sanctions regime established by the G7 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. Treasury emphasized the license is narrow and does not authorize new contracts or trade with the sanctioned companies.
Other G7 nations, including Germany, have maintained their existing sanctions positions. The U.S. administration stated the adjustment is aimed at minimizing unintended consequences for global energy markets while maintaining pressure on Russia.
