Zelenskyy’s office reacts to UK decision to allow imports of fuel made from Russian oil
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
After the UK approved the import of fuel produced from Russian oil, "active communication" between Kyiv and London has begun, Presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn told journalists.
The UK has allowed, starting today, the import of diesel and aviation fuel produced abroad from Russian oil. The decision was made amid a sharp increase in fuel prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The indefinite license permits the import of fuel refined from Russian oil in third countries, including India and Türkiye. However, it is subject to regular review and may be revoked, while companies are required to maintain relevant records.
In addition, the UK separately issued a temporary license valid until 1 January 2027 for the maritime transport of LNG from Russian projects Sakhalin-2 and Yamal LNG, including transportation, financing, and brokering services.
Easing of oil sanctions against Russia
On 18 May, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington had extended a temporary 30-day general license. It allows the most vulnerable countries to access Russian oil currently held at sea.
According to Bessent, the US is also ready to issue individual special licenses if necessary.
The US Treasury believes the move will help redirect some supplies to the most vulnerable countries and also limit China’s ability to stockpile cheap Russian oil.
According to Vladyslav Vlasyuk, the President of Ukraine’s sanctions policy envoy, Russia may have earned over $5 billion extra over two months of sanctions relief.
At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that there are currently no grounds for easing sanctions pressure on Russia, as it would only encourage the continuation of its aggression.
