The UK government has called on its allies to continue applying economic pressure on Russia after the United States announced a limited easing of sanctions on some Russian oil shipments.
A spokesperson for 10 Downing Street said Britain remains committed to maintaining sanctions against Russia as part of efforts to weaken Moscow’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine.
The move came after Scott Bessent confirmed that the United States would temporarily ease sanctions on certain Russian oil shipments already in transit.
Bessent said the decision was a “tailored, short-term measure” designed to maintain “stability in the global energy markets” and insisted it “will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government”.
British ministers, however, said the UK would not follow Washington’s decision.
A Downing Street spokesperson stated: “Ultimately, it’s obviously a decision for the US, but our position is clear. All partners should maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest.”
They added that continued economic pressure remains crucial to limiting Moscow’s ability to sustain the war.
“Our support for Ukraine is degrading Russia’s ability to wage war around the globe, both militarily and financially.”
The sanctions debate comes as global oil prices have surged following the conflict involving Iran and US-Israeli military operations.
Tehran has threatened continued attacks on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping lane, in response to the strikes.
Recent attacks on energy infrastructure across Gulf countries have also contributed to volatility in global oil markets.
Michael Shanks stressed the importance of maintaining sanctions during what he described as a critical stage in the war.
“This is an absolutely critical moment in the Russian aggression against Ukraine and sanctions are important,” he said.
“What we absolutely can’t have is Putin sitting in the Kremlin thinking this is an opportunity to invest more in the war machine.”
Opposition leaders in the UK criticised the easing of sanctions.
Kemi Badenoch said it was “wrong to lift sanctions on Russian oil”, but argued Britain should increase oil production in the North Sea to help stabilise global supplies.
Meanwhile Ed Davey criticised Donald Trump, accusing him of “helping Russia when he should be fighting them with Ukraine and Europe”.
European leaders also expressed concern about the US move. Friedrich Merz said easing sanctions now was “wrong”, while Emmanuel Macron argued that disruption in the Strait of Hormuz “in no way” justified weakening restrictions on Russian oil.
Volodymyr Zelensky has previously warned that relaxing sanctions would be a “serious blow” to Ukraine and could allow Russia to expand its military capabilities.
The surge in oil prices has already pushed up petrol costs and heating bills in many countries.
Ed Miliband said the government would monitor fuel prices closely and warned energy firms against profiteering.
He said the UK competition watchdog was ready to intervene if companies attempted petrol price “rip-offs”.
Miliband also said ministers could consider additional support for households if the conflict continues, including potentially extending the freeze on fuel duty.