LONDON — The British government said Saturday it would maintain sanctions and economic pressure on Russia despite a diesel supply agreement announced by US President Donald Trump following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.A UK government spokesperson reaffirmed London’s commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily and financially, stressing that Britain’s sanctions policy toward Moscow would remain unchanged.”The UK’s position could not be clearer. We will continue working closely with international partners to ensure Ukraine has the military and financial support it needs to defend itself. We will also maintain pressure on Russia,” the spokesperson said in a written statement.The spokesperson said Britain would continue enforcing what it described as the toughest sanctions regime it has ever imposed, aimed at increasing the economic cost of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.London also accused Moscow of undermining diplomatic efforts to end the war by rejecting ceasefire proposals while continuing attacks on Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure.”Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated it is serious about peace, but Russia has repeatedly rejected full and partial ceasefires while continuing attacks on Ukrainian civilians and energy,” the statement said.The spokesperson reiterated Britain’s commitment to supporting Ukraine “for as long as it takes” and working with international partners to achieve a lasting peace.The British statement followed a telephone conversation between Trump and Putin on Friday, which the US president described as a “highly successful discussion.”In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced that Russia had agreed to immediately supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to US and global markets.He said another 500,000 tons would be delivered in November, followed by 1 million tons shortly afterward.Trump added that Russia could supply an additional 3 million tons within a short period, depending on the condition of its diesel refineries.The proposed deliveries could total more than 4.8 million tons.Putin said increased Russian diesel supplies would benefit the global economy, according to the Kremlin.The Russian president also confirmed that the two leaders had discussed global energy markets, prospects for resolving the war in Ukraine, developments involving Iran and bilateral relations between Moscow and Washington.The agreement has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warned Friday that easing sanctions on Russia without a clear and lasting de-escalation agreement would signal weakness and risk prolonging the war.
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