UK struggles to reassure Ukraine after easing new sanctions on Russian oil

The UK sought to reassure Kyiv that its updated sanctions policy on Russia did not weaken restrictions. Ukrainian officials warned that changes could help Moscow fund its war efforts. Downing Street said allowing temporary imports of Russian oil and jet fuel was only one element of a tougher overall sanctions package, while a British minister acknowledged the handling was clumsy. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his team had been in contact with the UK and that Ukraine conveyed its views to London, with further discussion expected. The dispute followed expanded UK sanctions that took effect on Tuesday, including short-term exceptions for jet fuel and diesel refined from Russian crude and fossil gas shipments from two Russian terminals, with licences lasting three months before review.

"The UK was last night desperately trying to reassure Kyiv its new sanctions policy on Russia did not weaken restrictions, after Ukrainian officials warned the change could help Moscow fund its war efforts. While Downing Street insisted the decision to allow the temporary import of Russian oil and jet fuel was only one element of a tougher overall sanctions package, a British minister conceded that the matter had been handled clumsily."

"Speaking on Wednesday evening, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, said there had been discussions with the UK about the sanctions package and Ukraine had conveyed our views. Yvette Cooper, the foreign secretary, is understood to have spoken to her Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, with UK diplomats in Ukraine also seeking to reassure officials in Kyiv."

"Zelenskyy said: Of course, our team has been in contact with the UK today. The issue of sanctions is always a very sensitive one, and there has been much discussion in the media and among politicians. We have conveyed our views on this matter to London. Saying that long-term sanctions were what most effectively influence Russia, he added that the expectation was that the matter would be discussed further with the UK this week."

"Initially announced in October, the sanctions banned Russian oil products processed in a third country. There were, however, some short-term exceptions added to the initial plan because the Iran war has pushed up fuel costs. Jet fuel and diesel refined from Russian crude will be allowed in on a temporary basis, as well as fossil gas shipments from two Russian terminals. The licences will last for three months before they are reviewed."

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