Finance
Britain says allies should keep pressure on Russia after US eases oil sanctions
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 13, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 13, 2026
Quick Summary
Britain urges sustained allied sanctions pressure on Russia, even as the U.S. issued a 30‑day waiver permitting purchase of Russian oil stranded at sea amid turmoil from the Iran war, warning the move could boost Russia’s revenue.
Britain Calls for Continued Sanctions Pressure on Russia after US Oil Waiver
Britain and Allies Respond to US Sanctions Easing on Russian Oil
UK Government's Position on Sanctions
LONDON, March 13 (Reuters) - Britain and its partners should maintain collective pressure on Russia through sanctions, a Downing Street spokesperson said on Friday, joining a chorus of European criticism of the United States after Washington eased sanctions on Russian oil.
"It's obviously a decision for the U.S., but our position is clear. All partners should maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest," the spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters.
Details of the US Oil Waiver
The United States has issued a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea, in order to stabilise global energy markets roiled by the Iran war.
European Criticism of the US Decision
But European allies criticised the move, which risks complicating Western efforts to deprive Russia of revenue for the war in Ukraine.
Impact and Effectiveness of Western Sanctions
Financial Impact on Russia
The spokesperson said that Western sanctions had deprived the Russian state of at least $450 billion since the start of the war in Ukraine, adding "our sanctions are working".
Collective Pressure for Peace
Pathway to a Fair Peace in Ukraine
He said that collective pressure was the best way to achieve a fair peace in Ukraine and stop Russian support for hostile actors around the world including Iran.
Commitment to Maximum Economic Pressure
"We remain committed to exerting maximum economic pressure on Russia in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," the spokesperson said.
(Reporting by Alistair Smout; editing by William James)
Key Takeaways
- •U.S. granted a temporary 30‑day waiver allowing purchase of Russian oil stranded at sea to ease global energy market impact from the Iran war (apnews.com)
- •Britain says Western sanctions have cost Russia at least $450 billion in revenue since February 2022 and insists allies must keep up economic pressure (odessa-journal.com)
- •EU officials warn that easing sanctions now risks strengthening Russia’s war‑fighting capacity and undermining unified Western strategy (euronews.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Britain says allies should keep pressure on Russia after US eases oil sanctions
1What is Britain's position on sanctions against Russia?
Britain believes all partners should maintain collective pressure on Russia through sanctions and remain committed to exerting maximum economic pressure.
2Why did the US ease sanctions on Russian oil?
The US issued a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil stranded at sea to help stabilize global energy markets.
3How has Western sanctions affected the Russian state?
Western sanctions have deprived the Russian state of at least $450 billion since the start of the war in Ukraine.
4How did European allies react to the US easing Russian oil sanctions?
European allies criticized the US move, saying it could complicate efforts to deprive Russia of revenue for its war in Ukraine.
5What is the UK's goal with maintaining sanctions on Russia?
The UK aims to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and stop Russian support for hostile actors worldwide by maintaining sanctions.