UK vows to phase out Russian diesel and jet fuel imports by new year

The United Kingdom has committed to phasing out imports of diesel and jet fuel derived from Russian oil by January 1, 2027. This measure is part of a broader package of sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.

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The end date is a clear signal that we continue to ratchet up maximum pressure on Russia.

Initially, the UK government had announced a gradual phase-out in May, citing global oil supply issues that required "extra flexibility." This approach drew criticism, with the European Union warning against easing sanctions. Trade Minister Chris Bryant stated that the end date sends a "clear signal" of continued pressure on Russia. The government also indicated that the temporary license for these imports would be reviewed bi-weekly, with the possibility of earlier revocation.

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I made a commitment to the House of Commons that we would review the temporary general licence for diesel and jet fuel on a fortnightly basis and lift it as soon as practicable. Today we're confirming that the government will include an end date of 1st January 2027 in the licence at the latest and that we will continue to keep the licence under continuous review.

Global oil markets have been impacted by geopolitical tensions, including conflicts affecting trade routes and reducing supply. The UK government asserts that these new measures will prevent refined oil made from Russian crude from entering the country through third nations. "We are maximising pressure on Russia while maintaining stability at home, and we will continue to use every lever available to debilitate Putin's war machine and support Ukraine," said Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister Stephen Doughty.

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These new measures that strengthen our sanctions will stop refined oil made from Russian crude from entering the UK through third countries. We are maximising pressure on Russia while maintaining stability at home, and we will continue to use every lever available to debilitate Putin's war machine and support Ukraine.

However, critics argue the decision is flawed. Sir Bill Browder, a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, described the ban's timeline as "absurd." He pointed out the contradiction of providing billions to Ukraine for defense while simultaneously allowing billions of pounds to flow to Russia for its war machine through these fuel imports. "For anyone to not see the connection and absurdity, they must be willingly blind," Browder stated, highlighting the perceived ineffectiveness of the sanctions.

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It's absurd. On one hand we are giving Ukraine billions to fight off Russia. On the other we're giving Russia billions for their diesel and jet fuel to buy weapons to attack Ukraine. For anyone to not see the connection and absurdity, they must be willingly blind.