EU splits as Britain eases sanctions

Britain and the European Union moved in opposite directions on Russia sanctions this week, exposing a split inside the wider Western coalition. The U.K. issued a licence on Tuesday exempting jet fuel and diesel made from Russian crude but refined in third countries from a new import ban, according to Politico. At the same time, EU diplomats were advancing a smaller sanctions package that could add about 10 people and several Russian “shadow fleet” tankers, Euronews reported. Hungary, which had previously blocked action against Patriarch Kirill, has signaled it is now ready to let that listing proceed. ### What exactly did Britain change? The U.K. issued a sanctions licence on May 19 that exempts jet fuel and diesel from a new import ban covering oil products made from Russian crude but refined in India or other third countries, Politico reported. The move effectively softened part of Britain’s planned restrictions on Russian-origin oil products at a moment of rising fuel costs. (politico.eu) Politico reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government faced criticism at home over the decision, while Euronews said British officials were trying to reassure allies that the step did not amount to lifting core sanctions on Russia. Euronews also reported that Brussels is still testing support among G7 partners for a broader ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers. (politico.eu) ### Why were EU officials so irritated by the British move? Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commission’s economy commissioner, said the British decision “came as a surprise,” according to Politico. He said London had not raised the plan during a meeting of G7 finance ministers in Paris on Monday and Tuesday. Politico reported that EU officials fear the British rollback could weaken the Western front against Moscow. (politico.eu) Euronews said EU officials nevertheless vowed to keep pressing ahead with their own sanctions strategy despite the British change. ### Why is Patriarch Kirill back in the sanctions debate? Hungary has signaled readiness to allow EU sanctions on Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Euronews reported on May 20. (politico.eu) The outlet said the proposed mini-package would cover people who had previously avoided listing because of objections from Viktor Orbán’s government, along with several Russian shadow-fleet vessels. Patriarch Kirill has long been a politically sensitive case inside the bloc because sanctions require unanimity among member states. Euronews reported that Hungary’s shift would remove one of the most visible internal obstacles to a symbolic addition to the EU list, even as the bloc struggles over tougher energy-related steps. (euronews.com) ### Is the EU still trying to tighten sanctions elsewhere? Euronews reported that Brussels is exploring with G7 allies a full ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers. That idea is separate from the mini-package now under discussion and would amount to a broader escalation if it won support. The European Union already adopted a 20th round of sanctions in April, according to Euronews, but left the maritime-services ban on hold at that stage. (euronews.com) The current talks therefore combine a narrower near-term package with continued discussions on more ambitious oil measures. ### What happens next in Brussels? EU diplomats are discussing the mini-package this week, Euronews reported, and any final decision will require all member states to agree. (euronews.com) The proposed measures include around 10 individuals and several Russian shadow-fleet tankers. Britain, meanwhile, is still defending its May 19 licence as European officials press for coordination with G7 partners. (euronews.com) The next public markers are likely to come from further EU diplomatic talks in Brussels and any additional explanation from London on how long the exemption for jet fuel and diesel will remain in place. (politico.eu) (euronews.com)