A Ukrainian politician has condemned the British government for loosening sanctions on Russian oil, stating it "puts a question mark" over the UK's friendship with Ukraine. Oleksiy Goncharenko, a Ukrainian MP, expressed deep disappointment over the decision, which came into effect on Wednesday. A trade licence now permits the import of Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries, while some sanctions on Russian liquefied natural gas transport have also been lifted.
Criticism from Ukrainian Officials
Speaking to Times Radio, Goncharenko said: "One of the things we felt in Ukraine very strongly was that the United Kingdom was always supporting Ukraine at a very high level, and we appreciated it very much. That was an important part of our resilience, knowing there are true friends in countries like the UK. Now this decision puts a question mark because I really cannot understand it. I am deeply disappointed." He added that the move signals to Russia that "everything can be bought and everything is for sale."
Political Pressure in Westminster
The decision has sparked controversy in the UK parliament. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced pressure from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused the government of "choosing to buy dirty Russian oil, and that money will be used to fund the killing of Ukrainian soldiers." Campaigners have also condemned the move as a victory for Russia. Alexander Kirk, from the fossil fuel lobby group Urgewald, remarked: "After years of tightening the screws on the Kremlin's war economy, this decision risks sending the opposite message — that sanctions only hold when they are politically convenient. Celebrations will be happening in the Kremlin today."
Impact on Ukrainians in the UK
Alla Pomhaibus, a Ukrainian who moved to the UK when the war began, described the decision as "frustrating." Thinking of her brother on the frontline and her family in Odesa, she said: "Without the UK, I do not know where we would have been right now. But some decisions are not okay because we are all fighting together with a common enemy. We are trying to win this war, put Putin behind bars, and finally finish this disaster." The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain expressed deep disappointment, stating: "Allowing Russian-origin fuel to re-enter the UK through third countries undermines the spirit of the sanctions regime and sends a troubling signal to Ukrainians fighting for their survival."
Expert Analysis on Sanctions Effectiveness
Aura Sabadus, an energy and cross-commodity expert at ICAS and senior fellow at CEPA, noted that the loosening of sanctions "definitely offered Russia some breathing space." She explained: "It helps reverse the problems they have been encountering in the economy. The economy has been faltering, and critically, it helps keep up the war effort without resorting to much borrowing or reserve drawdowns." She added that the UK has been "the biggest supporter of Ukraine and one of the biggest cheerleaders in terms of introducing sanctions," but this carve-out raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions and Western coherence. Dr Umud Shokri, an energy strategist at George Mason University, said: "Politically, the decision matters. It weakens the clarity of the sanctions regime and shows how energy-security pressures can force Western governments to soften restrictions when fuel costs rise."
EU Commitment and Broader Context
The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports. A commission spokesperson stated: "We reaffirm our commitment to our sanctions on imports of Russian oil and gas, and we reiterate our desire that Russia does not benefit from the war." However, Sabadus warned that EU member states might soon follow a similar line to ease oil shortage financial pain. The UK has sanctioned 3,252 individuals, entities, and ships since the war began, with the Foreign Office estimating that sanctions deprived Russia of at least $450 billion in war funds between February 2022 and June 2025, including $154 billion in lost oil tax revenues.
