The United Kingdom faced a diplomatic challenge on Wednesday as it sought to reassure Ukraine that its revised sanctions policy on Russia would not weaken restrictions, following a backlash from Kyiv over the decision to allow temporary imports of Russian oil and jet fuel.
Background of the sanctions row
Ukrainian officials expressed concern that the move could inadvertently help Moscow finance its war efforts. While Downing Street insisted that the decision was only one element of a broader, tougher sanctions package, a British minister acknowledged that the matter had been handled "clumsily."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that discussions had taken place with the UK regarding the sanctions package, stating that Kyiv had "conveyed our views" to London. He emphasised that long-term sanctions were "what most effectively influence Russia" and expected further dialogue this week.
Details of the sanctions change
The controversy erupted after the UK announced expanded sanctions against Russia, effective Tuesday, which initially banned Russian oil products processed in a third country. However, short-term exceptions were added due to rising fuel costs linked to the Iran war. Temporary licences will allow imports of jet fuel and diesel refined from Russian crude, as well as fossil gas from two Russian terminals, for three months before review.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson defended the measures as "standard practice to ensure market stability," employed by both current and previous governments.
Political reactions
The decision drew sharp criticism from the Conservative Party. Leader Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of "sneaking out" an announcement to remove sanctions on Russian oil, claiming the money would fund the killing of Ukrainian soldiers. Starmer countered that Badenoch was misrepresenting the package for political gain, noting that phasing in sanctions was standard practice internationally.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant apologised for the poor communication, stating, "We've handled this clumsily and that's entirely my fault." He blamed the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign Office for the confusion.
Ukrainian disappointment and strategic context
Ukrainian officials expressed disappointment, with one former senior figure describing Western sanctions as "too little too late." They questioned the logic behind the British decision, arguing that only physical sanctions and destruction of Russian infrastructure could stop the war. The source noted that President Vladimir Putin would decide over the summer whether to launch another winter campaign or wind down the invasion, influenced by battlefield conditions and allied support.
Kyiv has intensified strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, hitting Baltic and Black Sea ports and Urals refineries. Zelenskyy described these strikes as "effective" in compelling Russia to reduce aggression.
Ukrainian sanctions commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk called Downing Street's decision "to some extent predictable," stating that Russia would channel extra funds into the war.
International and domestic criticism
Labour MP Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee, criticised the plan, saying Ukraine feels "very let down" given Britain's promise to close the loophole in October. She highlighted the disconnect between allied support and the perceived weakening of sanctions.
On Wednesday night, Downing Street confirmed that Starmer and Zelenskyy had spoken, with the PM reaffirming "steadfast support for Ukraine" and outlining measures to debilitate Russia's war machine. A spokesperson emphasised that the new sanctions package would reduce Russian oil on the market, weakening Russia overall.
The UK government now faces the task of rebuilding trust with Ukraine while managing domestic political fallout over the sanctions policy.
