The UK government under Sir Keir Starmer has faced sharp criticism after quietly easing sanctions on Russian crude oil, permitting the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries. Critics argue this move will financially benefit President Vladimir Putin, undermining the UK's stance against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Sanctions Relaxation Details
According to official documents, the new trade licence allows indefinite imports of Russian-origin oil products that have been processed in other nations, with periodic reviews. This reverses a previous policy that blocked such imports. Ministers defend the decision as necessary to protect the national interest amid soaring fuel prices triggered by the Iran war and the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Political Backlash
Senior Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry stated that Ukraine has been 'very let down' by the decision. Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko warned it puts a 'question mark' over the UK's friendship with Ukraine. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described the move as 'insane,' highlighting the contradiction of Labour MPs voting against UK oil and gas licences while now importing Russian-refined oil.
The decision comes as petrol prices in the UK have recently eclipsed previous highs set during the Iran oil crisis. Critics fear the policy will boost Putin's war chest while the government claims it is a pragmatic response to global energy pressures.
