The UK is expected to unveil new sanctions against Russia designed to "restrict Putin's war machine" alongside other Ukraine allies on Tuesday. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the measures would increase economic pressure on the Kremlin to show Vladimir Putin "it is in his and Russia's interests to demonstrate he is serious about peace". However, it appeared unlikely that the US would join the move after Donald Trump signalled his opposition to further measures during the G7 summit in Canada, saying the sanctions "cost [the US] a lot of money". Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said 16 people were injured after another wave of drone and missiles struck buildings across Kyiv overnight. Downing Street said the new sanctions package would aim to keep up "pressure on Russian military industrial complex" but did not provide further details. In a statement, Sir Keir said he and other G7 partners were finalising the new measures at the Alberta summit, and that they would "squeeze Russia's energy revenues and reduce the funds they are able to pour into their illegal war". "The fact is, Russia doesn't hold all the cards," he said. Asked why limited information had been released about the contents of the sanctions package, a No 10 spokesman said: "It's just a point of fact that the G7 has only just begun... it would be premature to get ahead of what those sessions will yield." Earlier on Monday, Trump - who announced he would leave the summit early due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East - indicated he did not back the sanctions plan. He said: "You're talking about billions and billions of dollars. Sanctions are not that easy. It's not just a one-way street." Trump said he was "waiting to see whether or not a deal" could be agreed between Russia and Ukraine to end the war before signing up to a new sanctions package. During a press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump also called Russia's removal from the G7 group "a mistake" and said it "makes life more complicated". In 2014, then-US President Barack Obama and other world leaders decided to expel Russia from the group of major economies after Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Starmer to announce new sanctions targeting Russia
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"UK to Unveil New Sanctions Against Russia Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The United Kingdom is poised to announce a new set of sanctions against Russia in an effort to intensify economic pressure on the Kremlin, as part of a coordinated initiative with other allies supporting Ukraine. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that these measures are intended to demonstrate to President Vladimir Putin that it is in both his and Russia's interests to pursue a genuine peace process. The sanctions aim to target the Russian military industrial complex, with a specific focus on constraining energy revenues, thereby limiting the financial resources available for the ongoing conflict. Starmer's remarks were made in conjunction with discussions at the G7 summit in Canada, where he and other leaders were finalizing the details of the sanctions package. However, the details of the sanctions remain under wraps, with Downing Street indicating that it would be premature to reveal specifics before the summit concludes.
Simultaneously, the backdrop of escalating violence in Ukraine continues to unfold, as Ukrainian officials reported injuries from fresh drone and missile attacks on Kyiv, further underscoring the urgency of the situation. Despite the UK’s push for stronger sanctions, the United States appears hesitant to join this initiative, particularly following former President Donald Trump's expressed opposition during the G7 meeting. Trump criticized the economic implications of the sanctions, arguing that they would impose significant costs on the U.S. economy and suggested waiting for a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine before committing to new measures. His comments reflect a broader debate within the G7 about the effectiveness and consequences of such sanctions, especially considering the historical context of Russia's exclusion from the G7 following its actions in Crimea in 2014. As discussions continue, the international community remains focused on finding a balance between supporting Ukraine and managing diplomatic relations with Russia.
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