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UK admits clumsy Russia sanctions, Zelensky demands longer bans

5/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The UK government admitted its handling of the new Russia sanctions was clumsy.
Britain announced a sanctions package on Russia while permitting three-month imports of Russian oil, jet fuel, diesel and gas, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to urge long-term sanctions.
Trade minister Chris Bryant apologized for the misleading impression and blamed poor communication between the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign Office.

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Story summary

The UK government admitted its handling of the new Russia sanctions was clumsy.
Britain announced a sanctions package on Russia while permitting three-month imports of Russian oil, jet fuel, diesel and gas, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to urge long-term sanctions.
Trade minister Chris Bryant apologized for the misleading impression and blamed poor communication between the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign Office.