US Grants Exception on Russian Oil as UK Refuses to Lift Sanctions.

Sanctions on Russian Oil

According to TSN.ua: The United Kingdom has no plans to ease sanctions on Russian crude, while the United States has authorized the shipment and sale of Russian oil loaded before March 12, 2026. UK Energy Secretary Michael Shanks stressed the government will not relax its restrictions on Russia, stating:

“We absolutely cannot allow Putin, sitting in the Kremlin, to see this as a chance to invest in his war machine.”

Divergent Sanction Strategies

According to reports, the U.S. government issued a temporary license—Number 134—through the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This decision permits the loading and sale of Russian oil belonging to companies subject to U.S. sanctions. The authorization remains valid until April 11, 2026, though U.S. government representative Scott Bessent noted that

“the decision is temporary in nature.”

As a result, while the UK maintains a hardline approach to sanctions, the U.S. is opening avenues for Russian oil sales under specific constraints.

This situation highlights differences in sanction policies among allies, which could impact global energy markets and strategies for countering Russian aggression. The UK reaffirms its commitment to upholding sanctions, while the U.S., seeking to ensure some flexibility in energy supplies, opens new market channels. This may create additional challenges for international unity in opposing Russian expansion.