EU criticizes Britain over weakening of sanctions against Russian fuel – Politico
Kyiv • UNN
London has allowed the import of fuel derived from Russian oil via third countries without coordination with the G7. The EU and Ukraine condemned this move for supporting the aggressor's economy.
The European Union has criticized the United Kingdom's decision to ease some sanctions on Russian fuel, stating that London failed to warn its G7 partners about the move. Politico reports this, according to UNN.
European Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the British government's decision came as a "surprise" to allies.
Britain has temporarily eased restrictions
This refers to a license issued by the United Kingdom that allows the import of jet fuel and diesel produced from Russian oil, provided it was refined in India or other third countries.
As Politico notes, this effectively weakens the new British sanctions; according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, these two types of fuel account for 99% of British imports from refineries operating on Russian oil.
The EU stated that now is not the time to ease sanctions
Dombrovskis emphasized that the issue was not discussed during the G7 finance ministers' meeting in Paris, which was attended by British Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
"Now is not the time to ease sanctions against Russia, because it is Russia that benefits from the war with Iran and has significant windfall profits due to high energy prices," the European Commissioner stated.
He added that the EU would insist on maintaining or even increasing sanctions pressure on Moscow.
Starmer's government explains the decision by market instability
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the government issued "two targeted short-term licenses" to gradually implement new sanctions and protect British consumers.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant explained that the decision was partly due to the instability of energy markets caused by the situation in the Middle East.
At the same time, the British government acknowledged communication problems regarding this decision and assured that the easing is temporary in nature.
Ukraine was also not warned
Politico writes that the Ukrainian side was also unprepared for London's decision.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the issue of sanctions is "very sensitive," and Ukraine has already sent its signals to Britain regarding this decision.
After a conversation with Zelenskyy, the British government stated that London continues to "strengthen measures of pressure on the Russian economy."