Keir Starmer has risked opening a new rift with President Donald Trump by refusing to back the US leader’s move to relax Russian oil sanctions.
Downing Street has declared there would be “no question” of keeping restrictions on oil purchases from Vladimir Putin and called upon allies to “maintain pressure”.
The US has announced a “tailored, short-term” waiver on sanctions that will allow countries to buy up Russian oil, currently embargoed and floating at sea, amid soaring energy prices caused by the conflict with Iran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has insisted that the Kremlin will only see a limited financial uplift, with priorities shifting to combating “instability posed by the terrorist Iranian regime”.
However, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman made clear that Britain would not be softening its stance towards Moscow.
“Our sanctions remain, and there is no question about that. We remain committed to exerting that maximum economic pressure,” they said.
Downing Street also stressed that Western allies must keep squeezing the Kremlin’s finances.
“All partners should maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest.
Keir Starmer has risked a new rift with Donald Trump after refusing to back easing Russian sanctions
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“The best way to continue to stop Russia from supporting hostile actors is to continue collective pressure and end the war in Ukraine.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks reinforced this position, warning that Vladimir Putin must not view the current crisis as an opportunity to fund his military operations.
Washington’s 30-day waiver, which expires on April 11, follows Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route handling roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies.
Tehran has threatened to attack any vessel attempting to navigate the waterway.
The US has announced a ‘tailored, short-term’ waiver on sanctions that will allow countries to buy up Russian oil,
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Brent crude surged above $100 a barrel earlier this week for the first time since 2022, sparking fears of global inflation.
Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev indicated the waiver would affect approximately 100 million barrels of stranded crude. Estimates suggest Russia is now earning up to $150million per day in additional revenue from oil sales due to the price surge.
European leaders responded with sharp criticism of Washington’s unilateral move, with French President Emmanuel Macron declaring there was “no justification” for easing sanctions.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the decision “wrong”.
‘Our sanctions remain, and there is no question about that. We remain committed to exerting that maximum economic pressure,’ No10 said
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EU Council President António Costa described it as “very concerning”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a press conference in Paris alongside his French counterpart, estimated the American decision would be worth $10billion to Russia.
“This certainly does not help peace,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader characterised the relaxation of sanctions as a “serious blow” and a “concession” that would embolden both Moscow and its regional partners.
Washington insisted it is responding to ‘instability posed by the terrorist Iranian regime’
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GETTYRussia has been subject to US and European sanctions since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, speaking during a visit to Saudi Arabia, accused Moscow and Tehran of working together to exploit the energy crisis for mutual gain.
“We have seen these links between Russia and Iran over an extended period of time,” Ms Cooper said, accusing both nations of attempting to “hijack the global economy” and benefit from the current turmoil.
“We are very clear about the threat from both Russia and from Iran to the global economy and to all of our wellbeing,” the Foreign Secretary added.