LONDON, March 13 (Reuters) - Britain and its partners should maintain collective pressure on Russia through sanctions, a Downing Street spokesperson said on Friday, joining a chorus of European
Britain Calls for Continued Sanctions Pressure on Russia after US Oil Waiver
Britain and Allies Respond to US Sanctions Easing on Russian Oil
UK Government's Position on Sanctions
LONDON, March 13 (Reuters) - Britain and its partners should maintain collective pressure on Russia through sanctions, a Downing Street spokesperson said on Friday, joining a chorus of European criticism of the United States after Washington eased sanctions on Russian oil.
"It's obviously a decision for the U.S., but our position is clear. All partners should maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest," the spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters.
Details of the US Oil Waiver
The United States has issued a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea, in order to stabilise global energy markets roiled by the Iran war.
European Criticism of the US Decision
But European allies criticised the move, which risks complicating Western efforts to deprive Russia of revenue for the war in Ukraine.
Impact and Effectiveness of Western Sanctions
Financial Impact on Russia
The spokesperson said that Western sanctions had deprived the Russian state of at least $450 billion since the start of the war in Ukraine, adding "our sanctions are working".
Collective Pressure for Peace
Pathway to a Fair Peace in Ukraine
He said that collective pressure was the best way to achieve a fair peace in Ukraine and stop Russian support for hostile actors around the world including Iran.
Commitment to Maximum Economic Pressure
"We remain committed to exerting maximum economic pressure on Russia in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," the spokesperson said.
(Reporting by Alistair Smout; editing by William James)
