An explosive investigation has uncovered that the UK is continuing to funnel vast sums of money into Vladimir Putin's war chest through multi-million-pound imports of Russian liquified natural gas (LNG).
Despite imposing sweeping sanctions and publicly condemning the invasion of Ukraine, Britain has legally imported over £2.2 billion worth of Russian LNG since the war began. This staggering figure reveals a critical loophole in the nation's efforts to defund the Kremlin's military operations.
The Sanctions Loophole
While the UK has banned Russian oil and coal imports, it has deliberately left a gaping hole in its sanctions regime for liquified natural gas. This decision has allowed imports from Russia to continue virtually unabated, providing a steady and significant revenue stream for the Russian state.
According to analysis of official trade data, these imports have not decreased since the outbreak of the conflict. In a shocking revelation, the first quarter of 2024 alone saw £200 million worth of Russian LNG reach UK shores.
How The Imports Continue
The gas arrives not on Russian tankers, but on vessels from other countries like Spain and Egypt that have collected the fuel from Russian export terminals. This complex supply chain obscures the ultimate origin of the funds, allowing British companies to technically comply with sanctions while still purchasing Russian energy.
Major energy firms, including BP and Shell, have continued to trade in Russian LNG, citing long-term contractual obligations. This practice has drawn fierce criticism from MPs and campaigners who argue that moral imperatives should override contractual convenience during wartime.
Political Fallout and Calls for Action
The findings have triggered outrage across the political spectrum. Senior MPs are now demanding the government close this loophole immediately, arguing that every pound spent on Russian energy translates into bullets and bombs used against Ukrainian civilians.
With energy prices remaining high and the conflict showing no signs of abating, pressure is mounting on ministers to explain why they have allowed this financial pipeline to Putin's regime to remain open for so long.
