Trump Claims UK’s Starmer Agrees to Stop Russian Oil Imports Amid New Sanctions

A recent statement from President Donald Trump during his state visit to the United Kingdom has caused a stir in international political circles. Trump claimed that in a private meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the British leader had agreed to stop buying Russian oil and was willing to impose additional sanctions on Russia. This claim, however, stands in stark contrast to the UK’s current policy, which has had a near-total ban on Russian oil imports in place for almost two years. The remarks have raised questions about the nature of the private discussions between the two leaders and the broader messaging on Western sanctions against Russia.

The Alleged Agreement vs. The UK’s Current Policy

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump alleged that Starmer was “embarrassed” by his public criticism of NATO and European Union (EU) countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. According to Trump, Starmer acknowledged this concern and expressed a willingness to take action. “He also agrees to stop buying oil from Russia, and he’s willing to impose sanctions too,” Trump said.

However, a quick review of the UK’s policy reveals that this “agreement” would simply be a restatement of existing law. The UK government, in close coordination with the G7 and EU allies, implemented a statutory ban on the import of Russian oil and oil products in late 2022. This decisive action was a cornerstone of the West’s economic strategy to reduce Russia’s revenue streams following its invasion of Ukraine. Since the ban came into full effect, the UK has not imported Russian fossil fuels, making any new agreement to “stop buying” them redundant.

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The UK’s commitment to sanctions has been unwavering, with recent measures introduced just last week. On September 12, 2025, the UK announced a fresh package of sanctions targeting 100 entities and individuals, including 70 ships belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which is used to circumvent existing oil price caps and bans. This latest move demonstrates the UK’s ongoing efforts to tighten the economic squeeze on Moscow.

The Broader Context of Western Sanctions

The conversation around Russian oil and sanctions is a complex and ongoing one. While the UK has successfully weaned itself off Russian energy, other nations, particularly in Asia, have ramped up their purchases, providing Russia with new markets and revenue. This circumvention has been a source of frustration for Western leaders seeking to maximize the impact of sanctions.

Trump’s repeated public criticism of European nations that continue to trade with Russia on energy matters has been a consistent theme in his rhetoric. His latest comments, therefore, can be seen as an attempt to assert a leadership role in this sanctions debate and to frame his discussions with Starmer as a diplomatic victory. However, the lack of official confirmation from Downing Street on any new commitments, coupled with the pre-existing UK ban, casts doubt on the substance of his claims.

The broader strategy of Western allies involves not only a ban on imports but also a G7-led price cap on Russian crude oil. The price cap, recently lowered, aims to further limit Russia’s oil revenues while keeping global markets stable. The effectiveness of this multi-pronged approach has been a subject of continuous debate, with some analysts noting that Russia has shown resilience in adapting to sanctions.

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Conclusion

Donald Trump’s statement regarding an agreement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to stop buying Russian oil and impose sanctions, while a dramatic headline, does not reflect any change in the UK’s long-standing and robust policy. The UK has been at the forefront of the international effort to sanction Russia, having already banned Russian oil imports for nearly two years. The comments are more indicative of Trump’s diplomatic style and his ongoing mission to pressure Western allies on energy trade with Russia. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the UK and its partners remain committed to increasing economic pressure on Russia, using a comprehensive set of measures that already includes the very ban Trump claims to have negotiated.