Finance
The Kremlin, on the U.S. Waiver, Says You Cannot Ignore Russia's Oil Volumes
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 20, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 20, 2026
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The Kremlin insists U.S. waivers cannot ignore Russia’s key role in global energy, as Washington renews a 30‑day license allowing around 200 million barrels of Russian oil sales at sea amid surging energy prices tied to the Iran war.
Kremlin: U.S. Sanctions Waiver Shows Russian Oil Volumes Are Vital for Markets
Impact and Reactions to U.S. Sanctions Waiver on Russian Oil
Kremlin's Statement on Russia's Role in Global Energy Markets
MOSCOW, April 20 (Reuters) - The Kremlin, when asked on Monday about a U.S. sanctions waiver on some Russia's oil exports, said that Russia was a responsible and important player on global energy markets and that it was hard not to take Russia's export volumes into account.
Details of the U.S. Sanctions Waiver
The Donald Trump administration on Friday renewed a waiver allowing countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil at sea for about a month, even as lawmakers accused the government of going easy on Moscow as its war on Ukraine grinds on.
Russia's Position in the Global Oil Market
Russia is the world's third-largest oil producer and the second-biggest crude exporter.
Official Comments and Market Implications
"Russia remains a responsible and very important player in the global energy markets. The markets are going through difficult times at the moment," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a daily conference call with reporters.
"And, of course, it is very hard not to take Russian volumes into account or ignore them," he said.
Global Energy Prices and Geopolitical Context
The move is part of the administration's effort to control global energy prices that have shot higher during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. It came after countries in Asia, suffering from the global energy shock, pressed Washington to allow alternative supplies to reach markets.
Volume of Oil Affected by the Waiver
Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev said an extension of the U.S. waiver will affect another 100 million barrels of Russian oil, bringing the total volume affected by both waivers to 200 million barrels.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Anastasia Lyrchikova, Writing by Felix Light; editing by Vladimir Soldatkin/Guy Faulconbridge)
Key Takeaways
- •Moscow emphasises Russia remains an essential and responsible energy supplier whose volumes can’t be overlooked. “It is very hard not to take Russian volumes into account,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
- •The U.S. extended a sanctions waiver for a month, covering approximately 200 million barrels of Russian oil already afloat—an initial 100 million‑barrel license, plus a new 100 million‑barrel extension. (apnews.com)
- •The waiver comes as energy markets face acute disruptions from the U.S.–Israel war with Iran, which has choked 20 % of global oil supply via the Strait of Hormuz, sending crude above $100/barrel and stoking inflation worldwide. (axios.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about The Kremlin, on the U.S. waiver, says you cannot ignore Russia's oil volumes
1What is the U.S. waiver on Russian oil exports?
The U.S. renewed a waiver allowing certain countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil at sea for about a month.
2Why does the Kremlin say Russia cannot be ignored in global energy markets?
The Kremlin states Russia is a responsible and important oil exporter, and its volumes significantly impact global markets.
3How much Russian oil is affected by the U.S. waivers?
With the latest extension, a total of 200 million barrels of Russian oil are impacted by both waivers.
4What is the purpose of the U.S. sanctions waiver?
The waiver aims to help control global energy prices, addressing concerns from countries suffering energy shocks.