Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will maintain its sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers despite the United States decision to temporarily ease restrictions. According to CBC News, Carney joined German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in criticizing the move during a joint appearance in northern Norway while attending NATO’s Cold Response military exercise.
The three leaders were transported in an armoured personnel carrier to observe the massive NATO exercise near Bardufoss. The Cold Response drills involve more than 30,000 troops, sailors, and air personnel from multiple allied nations operating in harsh Arctic conditions. Canada has deployed special forces units to the exercise, which focuses on high intensity operations and rapid reinforcement scenarios.
While the leaders gathered to observe the military demonstration, the main political discussion centred on the Trump administration’s decision to temporarily relax sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet. According to CBC News, these vessels are used to transport Russian oil outside the international sanctions regime imposed after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The decision reportedly surprised several G7 leaders who expected the sanctions to remain in place.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the decision, describing the waiver as a short term measure designed to stabilize global energy markets that have been shaken by the ongoing conflict involving Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Bessent stated that the move would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government and was intended to reduce volatility in global oil markets.
German Chancellor Merz said that during a recent virtual meeting of G7 leaders, six of the seven countries supported keeping the sanctions in place. He noted that many leaders were surprised when the United States proceeded with the policy change. According to CBC News, Merz delivered some of the strongest criticism of the American decision during the joint appearance with Carney and Støre.
Carney made it clear that Canada’s position remains unchanged. Speaking to reporters, he said Canada will continue enforcing sanctions on Russia, including those targeting the shadow fleet responsible for moving Russian oil. He added that there has been close cooperation between Russia and Iran, which he said poses a serious threat to European security and has contributed to the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Norwegian Prime Minister Støre also voiced opposition to easing pressure on Moscow. He said the international community should be increasing sanctions rather than loosening them while the war in Ukraine continues. The leaders emphasized that economic pressure remains a key tool in confronting Russian aggression.
The NATO Cold Response exercise the leaders observed has been heavily influenced by lessons from the war in Ukraine. Defence officials say the drills include realistic scenarios that account for the presence of civilians in conflict zones. According to CBC News, hundreds of civilians are participating in the exercises to simulate how modern conflicts unfold in populated areas.
Keir Giles, a defence expert at the U.K. based think tank Chatham House, said the Ukraine war has demonstrated the devastating impact of conflict on civilian populations. Speaking to CBC News, Giles noted that modern military planning must incorporate civilian protection and real world conditions to prepare for potential conflicts.
The Cold Response exercise is scheduled to continue until March 19, bringing together forces from more than a dozen NATO allies as they train for potential large scale crises in Europe’s Arctic region.
