The United Kingdom has been accused of aiding Russia’s war effort in Ukraine by importing record amounts of refined oil from countries that process Russian fossil fuels. According to data from the environmental news website Desmog, British imports of refined oil from India, China, and Turkey – which Russia exports crude oil to – amounted to £2.2bn in 2023, a significant increase from the £434.2m imported in 2021. Lela Stanley, a senior investigator at Global Witness, stated that millions of barrels of fuel made from Russian oil continue to pour into the UK. She emphasized that until the government closes this loophole, Britain is essentially helping Russia finance its war on Ukraine.
The news comes as US President Joe Biden announced his immediate signing of a bill that will provide £49bn in military aid to Ukraine. The Pentagon has indicated that the delivery of weapons and equipment to Ukraine will begin within days.
The bill’s passage signifies a strong commitment from the United States to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. The aid package is expected to have a significant impact on the war effort, providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to counter Russia’s military advances.
The UK’s continued import of refined oil from Russia has drawn criticism, with experts arguing that it undermines efforts to isolate Russia and weaken its economy. Critics have called on the UK government to take immediate action to close this loophole and prevent further support for Russia’s war effort.
