The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine and pledged to maintain tough sanctions pressure on Russia. London’s statement came after US President Donald Trump reached an agreement with Vladimir Putin on supplying Russian diesel fuel to global markets.
According to The Independent, citing the British government, London has no intention of abandoning its sanctions policy against the Kremlin, despite Washington’s decision to ease restrictions on trade in Russian petroleum products.
“The UK’s position could not be clearer. We will continue to work closely with international partners to ensure Ukraine receives the military and financial support it needs to defend itself,” the government said in a statement.
British officials also stressed that London would continue putting pressure on Moscow through the toughest sanctions regime the UK has ever imposed.
London’s position is backed by concrete restrictive measures. On October 8, the UK announced 38 new sanctions designations targeting Russia’s energy sector and entities helping Moscow circumvent international restrictions.
The measures targeted oil companies, another 12 vessels belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, cryptocurrency platforms, and suppliers of components used in Russian weapons production.
According to British officials, the restrictions already cover more than 90% of Russia’s oil production capacity.
Against the backdrop of Washington’s sanctions relief, London is therefore demonstrating its determination to maintain economic pressure on the Kremlin.
Earlier, following a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump announced an agreement to supply large volumes of Russian diesel fuel to the United States and global markets.
The US president publicly thanked Putin for the deal, emphasizing that the United States needed additional fuel supplies. At the same time, Washington authorized certain transactions involving Russian petroleum products, easing the relevant sanctions restrictions.
The decision drew sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian leader warned that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products would effectively provide additional funding for a war that the international community should be working to end.
“Russia will ‘repay’ the diesel deal with more terror and dirty tricks. Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that needs to be ended, not prolonged,” Zelenskyy stated.
Against this backdrop, the United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions pressure on Moscow, regardless of the US administration’s latest decisions.
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