LIVE Reaction: Europe's Churchill moment against Russia

Following Donald Trump's announcement of a diesel deal with Vladimir Putin, Urgewald is warning European leaders against weakening sanctions on Russian energy.

The deal comes just over a week before the Lindsey Graham Act's 18 October implementation deadline. Europe must hold firm on restrictions on Russian LNG and the shipping, insurance and professional services that sustain the trade.

Please find below a reaction from Alexander Kirk, Sanctions Campaigner at Urgewald.

Alexander Kirk, Sanctions Campaigner at Urgewald, said:

"Trump's deal with Putin is an affront to the civilised world. While Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, he is handing Moscow a fresh energy lifeline. With just over a week until the Lindsey Graham Act's implementation deadline, this deal undermines the pressure Congress intended to impose.

"This is Europe's Churchill moment. European leaders must stand firm against aggression. Washington's retreat must not become an excuse to weaken European sanctions or reopen the door to Russian energy. There must be no watering down of restrictions on Russian LNG or the shipping, insurance and professional services that keep this trade moving.

"Every concession that sustains Russia's energy revenues helps Putin prolong this war. European leaders must defend the coming sanctions deadlines and stand with Ukraine. Europe's security cannot be traded away in deals with the Kremlin."

ENDS.