UK's Starmer says fuel carve-out does not weaken Russia sanctions, aims to protect consumers

​British Prime ​Minister Keir Starmer ‌said on ​Wednesday changes to restrictions ‌on Russian oil were designed to phase in new sanctions and ‌protect consumers, rejecting suggestions the government ‌was easing pressure on Moscow.

Britain issued two licences on Tuesday to ⁠allow ​imports ⁠of diesel and jet fuel refined abroad ⁠from Russian crude to shore up ​supply.

"This is not a ⁠question of lifting existing sanctions in ⁠any way ​whatsoever, and we will continue to work ⁠with our allies on further sanction packages," ⁠Starmer ⁠told parliament.