UK Eases Russian Sanctions to Prevent Diesel and Jet Fuel Crunch

The UK moved to loosen its Russian sanctions in a controversial move aimed at preventing shortages of diesel and jet fuel, as the war in Iran eats into global oil buffers.

The move highlights how Britain has become more reliant on fuel imports than other major European nations, and has prompted political backlash over the government’s commitment to support Ukraine. The European Union is not currently planning a similar measure, according to people with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be named discussing non-public information.

The general license takes effect Wednesday with “indefinite duration and shall be ...