In 2023, the UK faced criticism for its significant increase in imports of refined oil from India, China, and Turkey, countries that receive crude oil from Russia. According to Desmog, a UK-based environmental news website, these imports jumped from £434.2m in 2021 to £2.2bn in 2023, sparking concerns about the indirect financing of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, as described by Lela Stanley of Global Witness. Although the UK has implemented a ban on direct Russian oil products, refined oil processed in other countries from Russian crude continues to enter the UK market. This issue was highlighted amidst the geopolitical situation, where the UK and its Western allies, including increased military aid from the US to Ukraine, were being directed to counter Russian military forces.

Additionally, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK’s top military official, noted the bolstering of Ukraine’s military response against Russia with Western-supplied long-range missiles and other advanced weaponry. The UK is also increasing its defence spending and continuing to support Ukraine as part of a wider NATO strategy to counteract Russian aggression and influence the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, the US Senate approved a £49bn military aid package for Ukraine, as part of a more comprehensive £76bn foreign support initiative, which includes assistance for other nations like Israel and Taiwan. These global dynamics illustrate the complex interplay of military aid, economic transactions, and geopolitical strategies shaping current international relations.