The United Kingdom is poised to unveil a new wave of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday in a coordinated move with other Ukraine allies, aimed at restricting what Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described as “Putin’s war machine”.
The measures, being finalised at the ongoing G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, are expected to tighten the economic squeeze on Russia’s military industrial complex and diminish its energy revenues, according to Downing Street.
Sir Keir said the sanctions were designed to demonstrate to Russian President Vladimir Putin that “it is in his and Russia’s interests to demonstrate he is serious about peace.”
However, the unity of the G7 response appeared fragile, as former US President Donald Trump signalled his reluctance to endorse the package. Speaking at the summit, Trump stated: “Sanctions are not that easy. It’s not just a one-way street. You’re talking about billions and billions of dollars.”
Trump further added he was “waiting to see whether or not a deal” could be struck between Russia and Ukraine before committing to additional sanctions. He also repeated his longstanding criticism of Russia’s 2014 expulsion from the G8, calling it “a mistake” that “makes life more complicated.”
No 10 has so far not released detailed information about the planned sanctions. When asked, a Downing Street spokesperson said the summit sessions were still ongoing and it would be “premature” to comment before they conclude.
The move comes as Ukraine continues to suffer deadly attacks. Ukrainian officials said 14 people were killed overnight in Kyiv following a barrage of drones and missiles launched by Russian forces.
The UK and other G7 allies have consistently maintained economic pressure on Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but divisions remain within the bloc as the conflict drags on with no end in sight.
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