Zelenskyy may cancel his visit to the UK due to the easing of sanctions against Russia – Sky News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s working visit to the United Kingdom, scheduled for Friday, May 22, is currently in jeopardy. The reason for the possible cancellation of the visit is an unexpected decision by the British government to ease sanctions against the aggressor country and allow the import of fuel produced from Russian oil. 

This was reported by the British television channel Sky News. 

The UK justified the easing of trade restrictions as a necessary step amid a rapidly growing fuel shortage on the international market and a sharp rise in global prices caused by the prolonged blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The Office of the President of Ukraine responded to its partners’ actions and announced the start of very active negotiations with the British side to increase pressure on the Russian Federation. Earlier, the head of state had already held an urgent telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and publicly emphasized that Kyiv had sent clear diplomatic signals to London regarding the inadmissibility of easing economic restrictions against Moscow. The Ukrainian side expects to fully resolve this sensitive issue during bilateral consultations this week, as international economic sanctions remain one of the most effective tools for compelling Russia to end the war.

The United Kingdom has decided to allow the import of diesel and jet fuel produced from Russian oil outside the Russian Federation. The new rules were introduced amid rising fuel prices and supply instability due to blockades in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision is open-ended but provides for periodic review and possible changes or repeal.

UK Trade Policy Minister Chris Bryant described the decision as temporary.