After US Relaxes Oil Sanctions, Britain Urges Allies to Continue Pressure on Russia

MaticHoleFiller · 2026-03-20T13:11:51+00:00

A UK spokesperson called for continued sanctions against Russia, criticizing the US's potential relaxation of sanctions on Russian oil, which could undermine the effectiveness of collective pressure. Since the Ukraine war, Western sanctions have cost Russia $450 billion, and sustained pressure is key to achieving a fair peace.

MaticHoleFiller

2026-03-20 13:11:51

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A Downing Street spokesperson said on Friday that the UK and its partners should continue to apply collective pressure on Russia through sanctions. Previously, European countries jointly criticized the US for easing sanctions on Russian oil.

“This is a decision made by the United States, but we have a clear position,” said a spokesperson for Gil Stamer. “All partners must continue to pressure Russia and its war funding.”

The US has granted a 30-day exemption to countries wishing to purchase sanctioned Russian oil and oil products currently stranded at sea, to help stabilize the global energy markets, which have been volatile due to the war with Iran.

This move has been criticized by European allies, who believe it could complicate Western efforts to cut off Russia’s revenue from its war in Ukraine.

The spokesperson stated that since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, Western sanctions have caused Russia to lose at least $450 billion, adding that “our sanctions are working.”

He said the best way to achieve “fair and lasting peace” in Ukraine is through collective pressure.

The spokesperson added, “We remain committed to exerting maximum economic pressure on Russia to seek a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

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