Fact checkPoliticsPublished May 20, 2026
UK government: “The UK eased sanctions on imports of Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries.”. Our verdict: True.

The claim

“The UK eased sanctions on imports of Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries.”

UK governmentOfficial recordMay 20, 2026Read the original

A trade licence issued as fuel prices rose during the Iran war.

Our verdict

True

A licence from 20 May 2026 allows imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian crude in countries such as India and Türkiye.

What we found

Starmer called it a targeted short-term licence to phase in new sanctions; the opposition called it buying 'dirty Russian oil'. The claim is accurate.

The evidence

2 of 2 sources support the claim; none contradict it.

Contradict 0Support 2Background 0
  • Supports the claim

    UK eases sanctions on Russian oil imports as fuel prices soar. [1]

  • Supports the claim

    UK eases sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports. [2]

How we checked

We checked the claim against Al Jazeera, Channels TV (AFP). We reviewed 2 relevant sources.

Sources

  1. [1]Al Jazeera · UK eases sanctions on Russian oil imports as fuel prices soar
  2. [2]Channels TV (AFP) · UK eases sanctions on Russian jet fuel, diesel imports

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