THE UK has joined the list of countries imposing sanctions on Russia for its conduct in the Ukraine conflict, as the country is preparing to introduce its “largest ever” sanctions package against Russia as the war enters its third year, said Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
“This is also the time to turn the screws on Putin’s Russia,” Lammy said in a statement on Sunday. “Tomorrow, I plan to announce the largest package of sanctions against Russia since the early days of the war—eroding their military machine and reducing revenues fuelling the fires of destruction in Ukraine.”
Lammy said that the new restrictions would be unveiled at a “critical moment” for Ukraine. “We remain committed to providing £3 billion ($3.78 billion) of military support a year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible,” he said.
He said that the UK is “ready and willing” to contribute troops as part of peacekeeping forces if necessary.
Since the beginning of the conflict in 2022, the UK has imposed multiple-tier sanctions on Russia, targeting 1,900 individuals and organisations, as well as key industries and energy exports.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington this week, reportedly to attempt to persuade Trump not to end military aid to Kiev and to commit to a potential peacekeeping mission.
According to a report, London and Paris have agreed to send 30,000 troops to Ukraine, but the plan will face “a difficult path” without Trump’s support.
“I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings,” Trump said on Friday, adding that Zelensky “has no cards” in the negotiations. Trump even called Zelensky a dictator.”
Russia has said the Western sanctions will not stop it from achieving its aims and has warned that it would treat any foreign military personnel in Ukraine without a prior UN peacekeeping mandate as legitimate military targets.
