On June 12 (local time), the British government announced that it would completely ban the import of diesel and aviation fuel produced from Russian crude oil from January 1, 2027, in an effort to further cut financial revenue to serve Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine.
This measure is built on the basis of the sanctions package issued on May 20, which prohibits the import of refined oil products manufactured from Russian crude oil from third countries.
To reduce the impact on businesses, London has issued temporary permits allowing some import activities to continue during the transition period.
However, the British Government confirmed that this license will expire no later than January 1, 2027. Officials also said they will review this mechanism every two weeks and do not rule out the possibility of ending it sooner.
British Trade Secretary Chris Bryant said the country is continuing to tighten sanctions to limit the ability to fund Russia's military campaign.
Meanwhile, British Deputy Foreign Secretary Stephen Doughty said the new measures will prevent refined oil from Russian crude oil from being brought into the UK through intermediary countries.
The United Kingdom is increasing pressure on President Vladimir Putin's administration and cutting revenue sources to serve the conflict in Ukraine," Mr. Doughty emphasized.
The British government affirmed that it will continue to stand side by side with Ukraine, and coordinate with international partners to maintain pressure on the Russian economy and weaken Moscow's military capabilities.
Restrictions on refined oil are part of a broader sanctions package, including measures targeting Russia's liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry as well as channels used to evade Western sanctions.
According to data from the British Government, since the outbreak of the full-scale conflict in Ukraine, London has imposed sanctions on more than 3,300 individuals, businesses and ships related to Russia.
British officials also said that international sanctions have caused the Russian economy to lose more than 450 billion USD.
The latest announcement was made in the context of the UK continuing to expand support for Ukraine. In March, London pledged to add 100 million pounds (about 133 million USD) to Kiev's air defense system after Russia increased air strikes, raising the total UK air defense support commitment in two months to 600 million pounds (about 800 million USD).
