UK quietly issues sanctions waivers on Russian oil products
The Kyiv Independent • • world
Key Points:
- The UK issued new licenses on May 19 allowing imports of diesel and jet fuel made from sanctioned Russian oil processed in third countries, and separately permitting maritime transport of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) until January 1, 2027.
- These moves follow the US extending its own sanctions waiver on Russian oil to stabilize fuel prices amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran and global energy supply challenges.
- The UK government emphasized balancing sanctions to degrade Russia's war capabilities while maintaining critical supply chains and market stability, though critics view the licenses as undermining the UK's moral stance against Russia.
- The licenses coincide with the G7 reaffirming sanctions pressure on Russia's energy sector, amid a deepening global energy crisis exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and rising jet fuel prices.
- Meanwhile, Ukraine continues targeting Russian energy infrastructure, recently attacking a major Lukoil refinery and an oil pumping station to disrupt Russia's war funding.