UK urges allies to keep up pressure on Russia as US eases sanctions

The UK's allies should maintain pressure on Moscow, Downing Street has said, after the US eased sanctions on some Russian oil.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said the "tailored, short-term measure" was aimed at promoting "stability in the global energy markets" and "will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government".

Earlier ministers confirmed the UK would not be following the US by loosening sanctions on Russian oil.

Oil prices have surged since the Iran war broke out, with Tehran vowing to continue attacking the key shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for ongoing US-Israeli strikes.

Prices have also been affected by attacks on energy infrastructure in Gulf countries.

Asked whether the prime minister was disappointed by the US move to ease sanctions on Russian oil already in transit, his official spokesman said: "Ultimately, it's obviously a decision for the US, but our position is clear. All partners should maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest.

"Our support for Ukraine is degrading Russia's ability to wage war around the globe, both militarily and financially.

"The best way to continue to stop Russia supporting hostile actors is to continue on collective pressure and end the war in Ukraine."

Earlier energy minister Michael Shanks told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "This is an absolutely critical moment in the Russian aggression against Ukraine and sanctions are important.

"What we absolutely can't have is Putin sitting in the Kremlin thinking this is an opportunity to invest more in the war machine."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said easing sanctions now is "wrong", while French President Emmanuel Macron said the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz "in no way" justified the move.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has yet to comment on the US decision, but said on Tuesday that easing sanctions would be a "serious blow" for Ukraine and a "concession" to Russia that would allow it to buy more weapons.

The rising price of oil has led to soaring bills for heating oil users and higher petrol prices for drivers.

He said the competition watchdog was primed to step in to prevent petrol price "rip-offs".

Opposition parties have been calling for the government to ditch a hike of fuel duty planned for September.

Miliband did not rule out direct support for households or extending the freeze on fuel duty if the conflict continued.