President Donald Trump this week acknowledged that the Russians were providing aid to Iran against the U.S., even as Washington moves to ease sanctions on Russian oil to stabilize the energy sector.

Reports that Russia has aided Iran with the targeting of American installations have circulated for most of the war. Trump, during a Fox News interview, appeared to acknowledge that, but suggested Moscow had done so because of similar American action.

“I think he might be helping them a little bit, and he probably thinks we’re helping Ukraine, right?” he said. “It’s like, hey, they do it and we do it, in all fairness."

The U.S. has, for years, provided assistance to Ukraine against the Russian invasion. The Iran conflict, like the start of the Ukraine War, has led to volatility in the markets and Washington's moves to ease sanctions on Russian crude oil are part of a larger plan to help stabilize prices.

The move has drawn criticism from European leaders, however, many of whom have warned that easing sanctions on Russia would help to fuel the war in Ukraine.

"We think that’s wrong," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said of easing sanctions. "There is currently a price problem, but not a supply problem. And in that regard, I would like to know what other factors led the U.S. government to make this decision."

“We want to ensure that Russia does not exploit the war in Iran to weaken Ukraine,” he added. “Nor will we allow Moscow to test NATO on its eastern flank and up here in the north.”

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.