UK to Announce Largest Sanctions Package Against Russia Since Start of Ukraine War
The United Kingdom is set to unveil a major new package of sanctions against Russia on Monday, marking three years since the start of the war in Ukraine, according to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
"This is also the time to turn the screws on [Vladimir] Putin's Russia," Lammy said in a statement on Sunday. He added that the upcoming announcement will introduce the largest package of sanctions against Russia since the early days of the war, aiming to erode Moscow's military capabilities and limit revenues fueling the conflict in Ukraine.
The UK has already imposed sanctions on 1,900 individuals and organizations linked to the Russian government since the start of the war. These measures have targeted Russia's financial, aviation, military, and energy sectors, including bank asset freezes, travel bans, and trade restrictions.
The decision to expand sanctions comes amid shifting diplomatic dynamics. U.S. President Donald Trump has recently sought to exclude Kyiv and European nations from discussions on the future of the conflict, raising concerns among Western allies. Lammy emphasized the importance of continued European support, stating, "Now is the time for Europe to double down on our support for Ukraine."
The new sanctions follow a decision by European Union member states last week to implement additional restrictions, including a ban on Russian aluminum imports, which is set to be formally adopted on Monday.
Lammy also reiterated the UK's military and financial support for Ukraine, reaffirming a pledge to provide £3 billion ($3.78 billion) annually. He also stated that the UK is ready to contribute troops as part of a future peacekeeping force if necessary.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reinforced this stance in diplomatic efforts. On Saturday, he held phone calls with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming Britain's commitment to Ukraine.
Starmer is scheduled to travel to Washington on Thursday to meet with Trump, where he aims to act as a diplomatic bridge between the U.S. and Europe to ensure territorial and security guarantees for Ukraine in any future agreement to end the war.
The diplomatic challenge has grown amid rising tensions between Trump and Zelensky. In recent remarks, Trump referred to the Ukrainian president as a "dictator" and suggested he had "good talks" with Russia. The U.S. president also accused Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron of failing to take meaningful steps toward ending the war.
European leaders have expressed concerns that if Ukraine is forced into an unfavorable settlement, it could strengthen Russia's position and increase security risks for the continent. The UK government has signaled that it will continue to push for a negotiated peace that prioritizes Ukraine's sovereignty and security.