German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has rejected US President Donald Trump’s Russian diesel deal — arguing that the Kremlin will only negotiate seriously under pressure — and is calling for tougher sanctions.  

The deal is exposing a disagreement with Europe over sanctions and the war in Ukraine. 

Can the additional Russian diesel meaningfully lower fuel prices? What does Moscow gain? And can Europe maintain effective pressure on Russia if US policy moves in a different direction?

DW examines the political divide and discusses the energy-security implications with analyst Olga Khakova.