The figure published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) comes as the UK moved to cut all reliance on Moscow for its energy needs in the face of Kremlin aggression by phasing out the use of its oil and natural gas. Russia was then accused of rigging energy by cutting gas supplies via the Nord Stream pipeline to Europe in retaliation for sanctions, fueling rising prices and a worsening cost-of-living crisis ahead of winter. Russia Predicted to Launch Attacks on Independence Day – Ukraine War Latest Imports of Russian goods also fell to 33 million pounds in June, the lowest level since records began in January 1997, according to the ONS. This represents a 96.6% drop compared to average monthly imports in the 12 months before the invasion of Ukraine in February this year. Although British exports to Russia were up slightly on June, their levels were down by £168m, around two-thirds, compared with the monthly average for the year to February. Exports of most goods fell significantly in the year to June, with transport machinery and equipment plunging by £118m or 91%. Chemicals were the only product exported to Russia to increase during this period, driven by a £39.1m (61.8%) increase in exports of drugs and medicines, which are exempt from sanctions. While economic sanctions imposed by the UK are likely to have led to the drop in imports and exports, the ONS points out that so-called “self-sanctions”, where traders voluntarily seek alternatives to Russian goods, was also likely a factor. Read more: What could happen next in Ukraine – and why Putin must claim victory soon How Putin used internet censorship and fake news for six months to push his Ukraine war agenda The figures were released as Ukraine marked 31 years since it declared independence from the Soviet Union and six months since the start of Russia’s invasion. Before the invasion of Ukraine, Russia was the UK’s largest supplier of refined oil in 2021, accounting for 24.1% of all imports of this commodity, and also accounted for 5.9% of UK crude oil imports and 4.9% of national natural gas imports. As a result of UK government action, there were no imports of refined oil, crude oil, natural gas or coal, coke and briquettes from Russia in June. This has prompted importers to look for alternatives and there have been increases in refined oil imports from Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Belgium and Kuwait in recent months.
