UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly denied accusations from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch that the government is easing sanctions on Russian oil. In response to rising fuel prices exacerbated by the ongoing Iran war, the UK announced a new package of sanctions, which includes short-term licenses for importing jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries from Russian crude. This move follows a similar decision by the United States to support energy-vulnerable nations. Starmer insisted that the new measures go beyond existing sanctions and are designed to phase in stronger restrictions while protecting UK consumers. However, the announcement has drawn criticism, with Minister Sir Chris Bryant acknowledging that the government could have communicated its intentions more effectively. He stressed that the goal is to strengthen the sanctions regime, not weaken it. The UK has maintained a ban on direct Russian imports since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but loopholes have allowed for the import of refined products. Starmer's administration continues to support Ukraine and collaborate with international allies on sanctions.