<h1>U.S. says foreign government cut Russian crude purchases after sanctions; that government cites national interest and affordability</h1> The U.S. administration publicly stated that a foreign government has begun reducing purchases of Russian crude at the request of the U.S. President, following new U.S. sanctions on major Russian oil firms. The U.S. also urged allies to cut Russian oil imports as part of sanctions aimed at curtailing war financing. The targeted foreign government insists its energy policy is driven by national interest and affordability. Tensions have intensified after the U.S. doubled tariffs on that country's goods, including an additional duty linked to its Russian oil imports, prompting diplomatic dispute over the measures' fairness.