Overview
- The U.S. Treasury, which extended the pause Friday until May 16, says it aims to steady energy markets after the Middle East war disrupted supplies.
- The extension covers loading and delivery of Russian oil and includes previously sanctioned tankers in Russia’s “ghost fleet,” a group of ships used to hide where oil comes from.
- Transactions linked to Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Russian‑occupied parts of Ukraine, including Crimea, remain off‑limits under U.S. rules.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky called the easing “money for war,” estimated potential oil revenue at $10 billion, and said Russia launched more than 2,360 drones, 1,320 guided bombs, and nearly 60 missiles in a week.
- A 16‑year‑old was killed and four people were wounded in a strike on Chernihiv overnight, according to local official Dmytro Bryjynsky.