UK ready to back total ban on maritime services for Russian oil

The UK is ready to support the European Union in imposing a complete ban on the provision of maritime services related to the transport of Russian oil. At the same time, London is continuing intensive negotiations with its European partners on the shape of new sanctions that would significantly tighten pressure on the Russian energy sector.

According to the statement. Esther Blythe from the UK Foreign Office, recorded during a meeting of the UK House of Commons Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms Control and Exports, the UK is prepared to support a full ban on maritime services for the transport of Russian oil and oil products. The measure is to be developed in coordination with international partners and, in particular, the European Union.

British Trade Minister Chris Bryant confirmed during the same meeting that London is willing to move forward together with the EU even if the United States takes a more restrained stance. He said coordination with European states was key to maintaining the effectiveness of the sanctions policy.

The proposed measure is part of the forthcoming 20th EU sanctions package against Russia. This could replace the current price cap on Russian oil with a complete ban on the provision of services to tankers carrying Russian oil, regardless of its price. The ban would cover financing, legal services, insurance and technical support for shipping.

The European Commission is responding to the fact that Russia continues to use Western shipping infrastructure and services to export oil, particularly to Asia, despite the price cap. European officials say the new mechanism is intended to severely limit Moscow's revenues from energy exports, which are a key source of funding for the war in Ukraine.

However, the implementation of the measures has so far faced political and international obstacles. The EU has not yet gained the full support of the United States or all G7 countries, which may slow down the approval process. At the same time, disputes persist among Member States over the final shape of the sanctions package, which has already been postponed several times due to objections from some countries.

Meanwhile, the UK is continuing its own sanctions actions, announcing further measures in February 2026 targeting dozens of tankers and infrastructure linked to Russian energy exports. The aim is to limit the operation of the so-called „shadow fleet“ that helps Russia circumvent existing restrictions.

If approved, the total ban on maritime services would be one of the harshest hits on Russian oil exports since the start of the war and a major change in the West's existing sanctions strategy.

gnews.cz - GH