Sir Keir Starmer has taken steps to reinforce anti-Russian sanctions in preparation for the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street. The Prime Minister will host Zelensky and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK has imposed extensive sanctions targeting over £20 billion worth of trade with Russia. These measures have resulted in depriving Russia of more than £300 billion in funds since February 2022.
To further pressure Vladimir Putin’s regime, the Department for Business and Trade has launched the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI). This new body aims to improve compliance with existing sanctions by providing guidance, user-friendly tools, and potential penalties for non-compliance.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stressed the importance of sanctions in defunding Putin’s activities, highlighting the collaboration between the government and businesses to maximise the impact of these measures. Europe Minister Stephen Doughty emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening the sanctions regime and deterring those who seek to breach them.
The launch of OTSI coincides with new reporting requirements for firms in financial and legal services to report suspected sanctions breaches. These efforts will complement the existing enforcement powers of HMRC.
Zelensky’s upcoming visit to Downing Street is part of his tour of European nations seeking support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. The Prime Minister is expected to reaffirm the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression, echoing his strong stance expressed at the UN General Assembly.
At the recent summit with south-eastern European countries in Croatia, Zelensky signed a cooperation agreement with the Croatian Prime Minister on defense industries. The visit to Number 10 marks a crucial moment in Ukraine’s defense against Russian military activities, with Sir Keir reiterating the UK’s solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Sir Keir Starmer’s actions to strengthen anti-Russian sanctions underscore the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and standing firmly against Russian aggression. The visit of President Zelensky to Downing Street signifies a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations and collective efforts to counter Putin’s regime and defend Ukraine’s sovereignty.