UK government to sanction Russia over breakaway regions decision
February 22, 2022, 8:23 am

UK government to sanction Russia over breakaway regions decision

Boris Johnson- UK PM

The BBC reported, the UK government has said it will sanction Russia over President Vladimir Putin's decision to recognise two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.

The BBC understands that recent legislation will be used to impose restrictions on people and organisations linked to Russia.

Government sources say sanctions would be "ratcheted up" in the event of a Russian incursion of Ukraine.

The foreign secretary said Russia's actions would not go "unpunished".

Liz Truss confirmed sanctions would be announced on Tuesday "in response to their breach of international law and attack on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Several of the UK's western allies, the US, France and the European Union, made similar statements, condemning Mr Putin's move and promising sanctions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is chairing a Cobra emergency response meeting at 06:30 GMT on Tuesday.

Themes in London, UK (File photo: Pixabay)

The meeting is set to discuss sanctions and the latest intelligence with aides including the chief of staff as well as cabinet secretaries. Sanctions are expected to be presented in Parliament later.

A No 10 spokesman said the meeting would discuss the latest developments in Ukraine and co-ordinate the UK response, including agreeing a "significant package of sanctions to be introduced immediately".

An agreement gives Russia the right to build military bases in eastern Ukraine

Mr Johnson told Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday evening that he believed an invasion was a real possibility in the coming hours and days, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

In a phone call, the PM told Mr Zelensky he would "explore sending further defensive support to Ukraine" at the request of the country's government, as well as detailing sanctions.

The spokesperson added: "The leaders agreed that the West needed to support Ukraine in the event of an invasion, but should continue to pursue a diplomatic solution until the last possible second.

Boris Johnson: Damage caused by West's failure to support Ukraine could reach Taiwan

"Regardless of President Putin's actions, the UK would be steadfast in its full support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the prime minister said."

Source: BBC

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Upon arriving to participate in the summit of the European Political Community, which includes around forty heads of state in Budapest, he said, "I look forward to sitting with the elected U.S. president and seeing how we will collectively ensure we meet challenges, including the threats from Russia and North Korea." He also noted that the strengthening of ties between Russia and North Korea poses a threat to the United States as well, according to reports from Agence France-Presse.

Before Trump's victory, Rutte expressed confidence that a united Washington would remain part of the defensive alliance, even if Trump became the 47th president of the United States. In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF last Monday night, he stated that both Republicans and Democrats understand that NATO serves not only the security of Europe but also that of America. He added that both candidates are aware that the security of the United States is closely tied to NATO.

On Wednesday, NATO congratulated Trump on his victory but did not address the Ukrainian issue.

It is noteworthy that the relationship between the elected U.S. president and the defense alliance was not the best during his first term in the White House. Trump criticized NATO member states multiple times and even hinted at withdrawing from the alliance unless they increased their financial contributions.

Additionally, the issue of the Russian-Ukrainian war is one of the matters that complicate relations between the two sides, especially since Trump has repeatedly stated that he can end this ongoing conflict, which began in 2022, quickly. He implied that he had a peace plan between Kyiv and Moscow, while his vice president, JD Vance, revealed aspects of that plan, which stipulated Ukraine's commitment not to join NATO, thereby sending reassuring signals to the Russians.

Furthermore, many NATO member states in Europe fear that Trump might halt military aid to Ukraine after he previously criticized the U.S. for pouring funds into supporting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.