The United States Department of the Treasury has granted a general license allowing Rosneft Deutschland, a subsidiary of the Russian oil company Rosneft, to resume operations. This decision was communicated on March 5 by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Sanctions against Rosneft Deutschland GmbH and RN Refining & Marketing GmbH were initially imposed on October 29, 2025, shortly after the broader sanctions against Rosneft were enacted. These restrictions were set to remain in place until April 29, 2026.
According to German media outlet Deutsche Welle, the indefinite lifting of sanctions on Rosneft Deutschland will facilitate the operation of a refinery in Schwedt, eastern Germany, which supplies fuel and heating oil to Berlin and northeastern regions of the country.
Sanctions Against Lukoil and Rosneft
On October 15, the United Kingdom expanded its sanctions list against Russia, which included the two largest Russian oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil.
Subsequently, on October 22, the US Treasury announced sanctions against Rosneft, Lukoil, and their subsidiaries, totaling over 34 companies. This action was taken due to what was described as a lack of serious commitment from Russia to the peace process aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
On November 29, Ukraine synchronized its sanctions against Lukoil and Rosneft with those of the United States.
US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Vitaker, stated that the administration would enforce new oil sanctions against Russia to compel President Putin to engage in negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine.
The US Treasury has lifted sanctions on Rosneft Deutschland, allowing it to resume operations and support fuel production in Germany. This decision follows a series of sanctions against major Russian oil companies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.