Keir Starmer says the UK is not lifting its sanctions on Russian oil following criticism about the government’s approach. Multiple reports focus on a new trade licence that comes into effect on Wednesday. The licence allows imports of jet fuel and diesel that have been refined in third countries, rather than directly from Russia. Coverage indicates the measure is being framed as compatible with existing sanctions, by targeting end products that are processed outside Russia. The comments come after public and political scrutiny of whether such licensing arrangements could indirectly benefit Russian supply chains or reduce the sanctions’ impact. Reported details emphasize that the policy change is limited to authorising certain imports under the licence, not a broad removal of sanctions. Taken together, the articles present Starmer’s position as that the sanctions regime remains in place, while specific import channels for third-country–refined fuels are permitted under the terms of the new authorisation.