Britain has expressed a markedly different stance from the United States on sanctions against Russia, amid growing tensions over a US deal to import Russian diesel fuel. The first shipments of Russian diesel are expected to arrive in the United States within two to three weeks, according to a senior Russian official.
Yvette Cooper, the UK Health Secretary and former foreign secretary, acknowledged the divergence in policy during an interview on Sky News. While refraining from direct criticism of former US President Donald Trump, Cooper emphasized that the British government has consistently taken a distinct approach on several international issues. She pointed to the UK’s decision not to join the US in actions against Iran as an example and indicated that London does not endorse the recent US purchase of Russian diesel. The deal, brokered with Moscow in an effort to reduce rising fuel prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, has drawn criticism from some UK figures.
“There are, of course, issues we take a strongly different view from the US president,” Cooper stated, underscoring ongoing efforts to unite NATO allies behind sustained support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. When asked if Britain had failed to influence US policy to maintain pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, Cooper said her own personal views support continued backing for Ukraine but highlighted the diplomatic role that the UK government must play.
The Russian Deputy Prime Minister for Energy, Alexander Novak, confirmed that negotiations to finalize contracts for the diesel shipment to the US are in their concluding stages. He said that once agreements are signed, the fuel is expected to reach US markets within 15 to 20 days.
Criticism of Trump’s deal came sharply from Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Conservative former foreign and defense secretary, who described the arrangement as a “grubby” attempt by Trump to gain political advantage in the upcoming midterms by lowering fuel costs. Rifkind further condemned Trump’s decision to restrict Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite communications system, which has played a key role in defending Ukrainian forces against Russian drone attacks.
Speaking on Sky News, Rifkind characterized Trump as “repulsive” and accused him of betraying Ukraine amid its fight for survival. He suggested that the US president’s actions had directly endangered Ukrainian lives by undermining critical support mechanisms.
The unfolding disagreement highlights ongoing fissures between the UK and US approaches to Russia and the broader strategy of support for Ukraine as the conflict continues.