Neophytou urges EU to lift Russian energy sanctions as prices rise

Nicosia, Cyprus. Former Disy leader Averof Neophytou on Friday urged the European Union to remove its energy sanctions on Russia, citing rising energy costs in Cyprus and elsewhere in the bloc. His appeal comes as the war in Ukraine, which prompted the restrictions, continues.

Appeal to Christodoulides

Neophytou called on President Nikos Christodoulides to demand a review and removal of the sanctions during the European Council summit taking place this week. He intends to challenge Christodoulides in the 2028 presidential election.

Arguing that recent international developments required a fresh approach, Neophytou said the easing of some US restrictions on Russian diesel supplies made it necessary for Europe to reconsider its position. He said protecting the public now required bold decisions.

In his view, Europe could not justify refusing even to reassess its policy while the United States relaxed energy restrictions to shield its domestic market. He argued that efforts to achieve a fair, lasting peace in Ukraine did not remove the responsibility to safeguard European citizens.

Neophytou said Europe should stop acting against its own interests and adopt a politically realistic approach, with Cyprus taking the initiative.

US diesel agreement and Russian exports

US President Donald Trump had earlier said he had reached an agreement with Russia for imports of 300,000 tonnes of diesel before this month ends, followed by 500,000 tonnes next month. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said monthly volumes could eventually reach three million tonnes.

The Russian newspaper the Moscow Times reported on Thursday that Russia had restarted diesel export loadings at Primorsk, its Baltic port. It said a tanker with 40,000 tonnes aboard had been loaded on Tuesday and was travelling towards Morocco.

The newspaper also noted that 300,000 tonnes would cover less than one day of US diesel consumption.

International criticism

Other world leaders strongly criticised the agreement. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said it lent legitimacy to Moscow while Russian bombs continued striking Ukrainian cities, provided additional revenue to fund the war and indirectly undermined sanctions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy characterised the deal as an investment in the war, which he said must end. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen also rejected the idea in comments to Reuters.