The British government has apologized for its decision to ease sanctions on Russia, a move initially intended to prevent shortages of diesel fuel and aviation kerosene. In a statement, UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant admitted the policy shift had been handled “clumsily,” taking full responsibility for creating “the wrong impression of what we’re trying to achieve.”
The easing has drawn criticism from both the United Kingdom and Ukraine, with analysts noting it appears designed to alleviate domestic financial pressures in Britain while diminishing economic pressure on Russia.
On May 20, Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Special Presidential Envoy for Investment and Economic Cooperation, criticized the British government for permitting the import of Russian petroleum products through third countries. The Russian official described the decision as an “oversight” and “an unfortunate choice.”
The policy change followed a May 18 announcement by the UK Ministry of Finance granting indefinite permission for the import of diesel and aviation fuel produced from Russian oil via third countries, along with authorization for related services.
