Johnson argued: “It is transparently ridiculous to blame Ukraine for the spike in prices that obviously began with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has labelled US President Donald Trump’s decision to lift an embargo on Russian fuel a “sickening” move.
He made his feelings on the deal known on Saturday, 10 October, in a trending post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The first Russian diesel cargo heading to the United States is expected to reach the East Coast this week following a deal between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin.
The Greek-flagged tanker MINERVA ZEN, carrying about 275,000 barrels of oil, reportedly left St Petersburg in late September, though the departure was not publicised, likely for security reasons.
US negotiators reportedly offered Russia three economic incentives, covering energy infrastructure and maritime operations, in exchange for a limited ceasefire.
The proposals, according to The New York Times, included releasing billions in frozen Russian assets, potentially reviving a previous plan involving up to $100 billion.
Washington also discussed a multi-billion-dollar deal to sell parts of Russian oil giant Lukoil to Middle Eastern investors, as well as a proposal allowing Belarus to export potash.
Surprisingly, Ukraine did not oppose the proposition, requesting only guarantees, including payments from seized Russian assets and additional military aid if Moscow breaches any truce.
Reacting to the decision on his verified handle, Boris Johnson said: ”It is transparently ridiculous to blame Ukraine for the spike in prices that obviously began with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
”Putin is murdering innocent Ukrainian civilians every day. The Ukrainians are fighting for their lives. And yet the White House is apparently determined to force American drivers to bankroll Putin’s slaughter. It won’t work, and I doubt it will make much difference to the price of fuel.”
He added: “If we want Russian oil and gas back on the world market, then let’s end this war with a free, sovereign, and independent Ukraine.”
Wading into the saga, several US lawmakers and European officials also criticized the move, arguing it would enable Moscow to fund its military and prolong its aggression against Ukraine.
Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas warned that suspending sanctions on Russian diesel would provide Moscow with further revenue to wage war.
The diplomat announced that EU Foreign Ministers will, on Monday, “approve the biggest set of sanctions listings targeting Russia’s war machine” since the start of the conflict.
Meanwhile, a group of US lawmakers is moving to block President Donald Trump’s reversal of the Russian oil embargo.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, announced he would introduce a cross-party bill aimed at preventing the US government from lifting sanctions.
“We will be introducing bipartisan legislation to block any and all purchases of Russian oil,” the former FBI Special Agent wrote on X on Saturday.
Fitzpatrick stated that the bill, titled the “Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act”, will be “forced to the Floor via discharge and will pass overwhelmingly.”
Reacting to the post, Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, said he had agreed to be “an original co-sponsor”, urging Congress to take a firm stand.
Democrats were equally furious about the Trump administration’s U-turn on Russian oil, with Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York) accusing Trump of making a “deal with the devil” to boost his “flailing political fortunes.”
In a statement, the Senate Minority Leader said the deal would only aid and abet Putin, “who is helping the Iranians to target and try to kill American troops and who illegally invaded our ally Ukraine.”
