UK to Announce Sweeping Sanctions Against Russia

London, February 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – The United Kingdom is set to unveil its most extensive package of sanctions against Russia on Monday, coinciding with the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Sunday.

“This is also the time to turn the screws on Vladimir Putin’s Russia,” Lammy stated, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to undermining Russia’s war efforts.

“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,” he added.

A Stronger Stance Amid Political Tensions

The UK’s move comes at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, with US President Donald Trump reportedly sidelining Kyiv and its European allies in potential negotiations with Russia regarding the future of the war.

“This is a critical moment in the history of Ukraine, Britain, and all of Europe,” Lammy stressed. “Now is the time for Europe to double down on our support for Ukraine.”

Since the onset of the war, London has already imposed sanctions on 1,900 individuals and entities linked to the Russian government as of January 2025. These measures have targeted Russia’s financial, aviation, military, and energy sectors through asset freezes, travel bans, and trade restrictions.

Last week, the European Union also approved a new round of sanctions, including a ban on Russian aluminum imports, set to be formally enacted on Monday.

Military and Diplomatic Commitment

Reaffirming the UK’s military support, Lammy highlighted Britain’s pledge to provide £3 billion ($3.78 billion) annually in aid to Kyiv. He also stated that the UK remains prepared to contribute troops to a future peacekeeping force if necessary.

“Off the battlefield, we will work with the US and European partners to achieve a sustainable, just peace—remaining clear that there can be nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” Lammy said.

UK’s Role in Bridging US-Europe Divides

On Saturday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held separate phone calls with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine.

Starmer is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Thursday, positioning the UK as a “bridge” between the US and Europe to ensure long-term security guarantees for Ukraine in any future peace agreement.

However, tensions between Trump and Zelensky have escalated in recent days, with Trump labeling the Ukrainian leader a “dictator” while simultaneously praising discussions with Russia. In a Fox News interview on Friday, Trump also criticized Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing them of doing little to end the war.

Europe’s Concerns Over a Forced Settlement

European leaders fear that if Washington pressures Ukraine into accepting an unfavorable deal, it could allow Putin to claim victory and leave the continent vulnerable to further Russian aggression. The UK’s latest sanctions package aims to counteract these risks by maintaining pressure on Moscow and reinforcing Europe’s collective commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.