Russia welcomed a temporary sanctions waiver announced by the United States allowing countries to purchase Russian oil already in transit, saying the move shows both nations share an interest in stabilising global energy markets. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said efforts by Washington to steady energy supplies align with Moscow's goals.

The United States Treasury Secretary said the short term authorisation would apply only to oil shipments currently at sea and would not deliver significant financial benefit to the Russian government, noting that most energy revenue is collected at the point of extraction.

The decision drew mixed reactions in Europe. Germany's economy minister expressed concern that the waiver could strengthen Russia's war effort in Ukraine, while acknowledging economic and political pressures linked to the global oil crisis. Germany's chancellor and Norway's prime minister both argued that sanctions should not be eased.

Oil prices remained above 100 dollars per barrel as tensions in the Middle East intensified, with fears of wider conflict raising concerns about inflation and the stability of the global economy.