Canada will continue enforcing its sanctions on Russia and its so-called “shadow fleet” of oil transports, despite the United States temporarily easing its own restrictions, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed. The U.S. had issued a 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions in response to rising global prices amid the war in Iran.
Speaking in Norway alongside the leaders of Germany and Norway, Carney emphasized that Canada’s sanctions are essential to maintain pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that six of the seven G7 leaders had agreed not to ease sanctions, stressing consistency to push Russia toward ceasefire negotiations. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store also called for continued energy-related pressure on Moscow.
Analysts point out that disruptions from the Iran conflict are indirectly benefiting Russia, as higher oil revenues strengthen its war funding. Russia relies on a shadow fleet of vessels using tactics like disabling tracking and mislabelling cargo to evade sanctions. Carney recently expanded sanctions to 100 vessels in this fleet.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials have argued that the temporary sanctions reprieve on oil in transit will not significantly aid Russia financially. Concerns over prolonged Persian Gulf disruptions and global inflation persist, with U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth assuring that Iran will not be allowed to block shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, and President Trump warning of potential military action to secure tanker routes.
