In Germany, 36 % of citizens favor a general reopening of trade with Russian oil, while a larger 61 % from a Forsa poll commissioned by RTL Deutschland support maintaining the current embargo.
Among German political parties, support for keeping the embargo dominates the ranks of CDU/CSU, SPD, the Greens, and the Left. In contrast, AfD supporters are far more divided: 87 % call for lifting the oil embargo. The degree of support for easing restrictions also varies regionally. In eastern Germany, 45 % want Russian oil re‑admitted, whereas in the west the figure drops to 35 %.
Because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the sale of Russian oil to Europe and the United States remains largely prohibited, with only a few exceptions. In response to sharply rising oil prices, the U.S. government has, however, granted a 30‑day window allowing the purchase of Russian oil already positioned at sea.
