Sir Keir Starmer has sought to reassure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid controversy over UK sanctions on Russian oil. Downing Street confirmed that the Prime Minister “reaffirmed the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine” during their Wednesday evening call, emphasising a commitment to “do everything possible to debilitate and degrade Putin’s war machine”.
Sanctions Package Under Fire
The conversation followed criticism of a “short-term” trade licence issued alongside a new sanctions package on Tuesday. This licence permits the import of Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries, drawing sharp rebukes from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who labelled the move “insane” and accused the Government of weakening sanctions.
However, ministers denied any dilution of measures. Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant apologised for the “clumsy” handling of the issue, acknowledging a miscommunication between the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign Office. He stated: “We’ve handled this clumsily… we’re trying to strengthen the regime, not weaken it.”
PM’s Defence in Parliament
Earlier at Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir faced Badenoch’s accusation that the Government “snuck out an announcement removing sanctions on Russian oil”. The PM countered that the new package went “well beyond” existing measures, including bans on maritime services and refined oil products. He noted two short-term licences were issued to “phase in” sanctions, a technique used by the previous government.
“This is not a question of lifting existing sanctions,” Sir Keir insisted. “We will continue to work with our allies on further packages.”
Zelensky’s Response
Following the call, President Zelensky expressed gratitude on X: “I am grateful for all the support the United Kingdom provides to Ukraine… We coordinated positions on the diplomatic track regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine, and we are working to reinvigorate substantive diplomacy.”
The Prime Minister assured Zelensky that UK efforts would lead to “less Russian oil on the market, with Russia weaker as a result”, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
