Ukrainian MP says lifting sanctions on Russian oil puts ‘question mark’ over friendship with UK

The UK government has come under sharp criticism after easing sanctions on Russian oil, including allowing imports of Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries. This move, which took effect recently, also involved lifting some restrictions on the transport of Russian liquefied natural gas. Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko expressed deep disappointment, stating the decision casts doubt on the UK’s friendship with Ukraine and risks signaling to Russia that Western resolve can be compromised by economic interests. The policy has been described by experts as a “carve-out” that exempts certain processed oil products derived from Russian crude from tighter sanctions. This development follows a similar relaxation of sanctions by the United States earlier this year, which was justified as a short-term measure to stabilize global energy markets but drew criticism from European allies and Canada. Opposition figures in the UK, including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, faced pressure over the decision, with accusations that buying Russian oil indirectly funds the Kremlin’s military actions in Ukraine. Campaigners and analysts warn that loosening sanctions undermines years of efforts to weaken Russia’s war economy. Alexander Kirk of the fossil fuel lobby group Urgewald highlighted concerns that such moves send a message that sanctions are only enforced when politically convenient, potentially emboldening Russian state media to claim Western unity is faltering. Since the invasion of Ukraine, the UK has sanctioned thousands of individuals and entities linked to the Russian regime, with estimates suggesting these measures have deprived Russia of hundreds of billions of dollars in war funding. The decision has also caused frustration among Ukrainians living in the UK, such as Alla Pomhaibus, who worries about the impact on her family and friends still in Ukraine. Many in the Ukrainian community view the UK’s previous strong support as vital to their resilience and fear that easing sanctions could weaken international solidarity at a critical time in the conflict.