UK vows to keep sanctions pressure on Russia and support Ukraine after Trump-Putin diesel deal promises major fuel shipments

The UK government said on Saturday it would continue supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a diesel supply agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A government spokesperson said Britain would work with international partners to provide Ukraine with the military and financial support it needs, while retaining what the spokesperson called the UK’s toughest-ever sanctions regime. The measures, the statement said, are intended to raise the cost of Russia’s aggression and support efforts toward a just and lasting peace.

The spokesperson said Ukraine had repeatedly shown it was serious about peace, while Russia had rejected full and partial ceasefires and continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure. “Russia could end this war today,” the statement said, adding that the UK would support Ukraine for as long as necessary and work with partners for a durable peace.

Trump said the agreement followed a phone call with Putin on Friday that he described as “highly successful.” He announced an immediate supply of more than 300,000 tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons “immediately thereafter.” Putin said the supplies would benefit the global economy, and that the leaders also discussed prospects for resolving the war in Ukraine.

Earlier this year, the UK set out plans to phase in a ban on imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian crude that reach Britain through third countries.