The United States has temporarily relaxed sanctions on Russian oil, issuing a new exemption that permits the delivery and sale of specific shipments already at sea. This decision, made by the US Treasury Department, comes as Washington maintains its public stance of exerting pressure on the Kremlin.
On April 17, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) released General License 134B, which allows transactions involving Russian crude oil and petroleum products loaded onto vessels as of that date. This exemption is valid until May 16 and replaces a prior license that expired on April 11.
While the updated license is narrowly defined, applying only to oil already loaded on ships, critics argue that the repeated issuance of such exemptions threatens to undermine the broader sanctions regime established following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Leading Senate Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren, and Jeanne Shaheen, have condemned the decision, labeling it a “180-degree turn” and asserting that it sends a mixed message as Russia continues its military actions against Ukraine. In a joint statement, they described the decision as “shameful,” emphasizing that ongoing Russian attacks could prolong the conflict.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on April 15 that Washington would not extend exemptions that previously allowed the purchase of Iranian and Russian oil without the application of US sanctions.
The US has issued a temporary exemption allowing certain Russian oil shipments at sea, drawing criticism from Senate Democrats who argue it undermines sanctions. This decision highlights the ongoing complexities of US-Russia relations amid the Ukraine conflict.