Italy affirms commitment to maintaining sanctions on Russian oil

Moscow — Italy’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani has reaffirmed the need to maintain sanctions against Russian oil following calls from fellow Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini to ease restrictions by emulating the United States approach.

On Saturday, Salvini stated that Italy and Europe should consider “pragmatic solutions” similar to the approach adopted by the United States. The statement was reported by newspaper La Repubblica.

Tajani asserted that the transport minister’s statement represented a personal view. “Sanctions against Russia must remain in place,” Tajani said whilst speaking at a public event in Rome on Saturday.

Several Italian newspapers on Sunday (15 March) characterised the exchange of statements between the two deputy heads of government as a “dispute” and even a “split within government.”

Tajani and Salvini respectively lead the Forza Italia and League parties, which alongside the largest party in the governing coalition, Brothers of Italy, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, form the ruling coalition in the country.

Previously, Salvini proposed that Europe follow the United States by lifting some sanctions against Russian oil amid the conflict in the Middle East. On 11 March, he even called such restrictions “foolish policy” when “sea routes and straits are closed.”

US authorities are currently working to reduce oil prices that have surged following attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Washington had previously granted an exemption from sanctions for Indian purchases of Russian oil loaded onto tankers before 5 March. The policy was subsequently expanded to cover all Russian crude oil and oil products loaded onto vessels from 12 March onwards. Under this policy, transactions involving these commodities are no longer subject to Washington’s restrictions.