British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has authorised the import of diesel and aviation fuel produced from Russian oil. The corresponding licence was issued on Wednesday.
The decision was taken against the backdrop of a sharp rise in fuel prices following the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The licence allows the import of diesel and aviation fuel derived from Russian oil, provided it has been refined in third countries. It also permits the maritime transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas from the Sakhalin-2 and Yamal terminals.
In this way, the British authorities have effectively retreated from their previous position. Until recently, London had declared its intention to completely block supplies of Russian oil refined in third countries. Now the government has introduced exceptions that allow Russian hydrocarbons to continue entering the British market.
Internal Contradictions
According to The Telegraph, Starmer’s decision immediately drew sharp criticism from the opposition. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch wrote on social network X:
“After 18 months of standing up to Russia, the Labour government has quietly issued a licence that allows the import of Russian oil refined in third countries. Yesterday Labour MPs voted against licences for oil and gas extraction in the UK. Now we are importing oil from Russia instead of drilling in the North Sea. This is madness.”
Former British military attaché in Moscow and Kyiv John Foreman described the move as “cynical but understandable” in a comment for Kyiv Independent. “It is difficult to claim the role of leader of the ‘coalition of the willing’ while striking dubious deals,” he noted.
Sanctions Against Russia and Their Cost to Britons
The situation clearly illustrates the contradictions in the approach of Western governments. On one hand, the official line of maximum pressure on Russia remains in place. On the other, when fuel prices rise sharply, the authorities are forced to look for ways to ease the sanctions regime.
At the same time, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is trying to contain the rising cost of living by putting pressure on supermarket chains and demanding the introduction of price caps on basic goods. Representatives of the retail sector have already called the initiative “desperate” and compared it to the “failed policies of the 1970s.”
Thus, the British authorities find themselves in a difficult position. Sanctions that were originally introduced as a tool to pressure Russia are increasingly hitting their own citizens by raising the cost of fuel, energy and food. At the same time, any easing of restrictions provokes harsh criticism within the country and accusations of inconsistency.
The Telegraph notes that a similar situation arose in March when the United States allowed transactions with Russian oil. At the time, British authorities warned that such steps could play into the Kremlin’s hands. Now London itself has followed this path.
