Former UK PM Johnson slams US easing of Russian fuel sanctions

Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has strongly opposed the United States' decision to ease restrictions on Russian fuel imports, arguing the move risks undermining efforts to constrain Moscow's resources for its ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.

Johnson contended that relaxing sanctions on Russian energy would provide President Vladimir Putin with crucial economic support needed to sustain military operations against Ukrainian forces. The criticism reflects broader concerns among Western leaders about the geopolitical implications of energy policy amid the prolonged conflict.

In related remarks, Johnson attributed recent increases in global fuel prices to disruptions affecting major energy trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for international oil commerce. He suggested that geopolitical instability in key maritime passages continues to exert significant upward pressure on energy costs worldwide.

The stance echoes Johnson's previous positions on maintaining unified Western pressure against Russia through comprehensive economic sanctions. The debate over energy sanctions policy remains contentious among Western nations balancing security concerns against domestic economic pressures and inflation.