The United Kingdom has temporarily eased parts of its sanctions on Russian oil imports as rising global fuel prices tied to the Iran conflict place growing pressure on consumers and energy markets.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move does not signal a retreat from Britain’s support for Ukraine, insisting the country remains committed to punishing Russia over its invasion.
The policy change, which took effect Wednesday, allows Britain to import Russian oil products such as jet fuel and diesel after they have been refined in third-party countries including India and Turkey. The U.K. had previously announced a ban on those imports in October.
The decision comes as the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have triggered major increases in global oil and fuel prices. The vital shipping route normally carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Starmer described the measure as a “targeted short-term” response designed to shield British consumers from soaring energy costs during a volatile period.
“This is not a question of lifting existing sanctions,” Starmer told lawmakers in Parliament. “These are new sanctions being phased in.”
The licenses currently have no expiration date, though the British government said they will be reviewed regularly.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the move, accusing the government of effectively purchasing “dirty Russian oil.”
Despite the sanctions adjustment, Britain reaffirmed its support for Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s war effort. Starmer reportedly spoke with Zelenskyy on Wednesday and pledged continued backing for Kyiv.
Zelenskyy later thanked the United Kingdom publicly for its ongoing support.
Some lawmakers and analysts warned the temporary carve-out could weaken the symbolic strength of Western sanctions against Russia. Analysts at London-based Chatham House said Moscow could view the move as evidence that Western unity on sanctions is beginning to soften under economic pressure.
The United States has also recently relaxed certain restrictions, extending a short-term waiver that permits purchases of Russian oil shipments already at sea.