In a significant move in what is now three years of Russia’s blanket invasion of Ukraine, the UK government has announced new sanctions aimed at preventing Russian oligarchs associated with the Kremlin from visiting the UK.
The rules were published ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s upcoming visit to the United States, which demonstrates a determination to keep “elites” associated with the Kremlin off British soil. These are individuals who have been recognized as having aided President Vladimir Putin’s government immensely or those who have acquired a lot of wealth and status through these alliances. The sanctions also target individuals with connections to the top echelons of the Russian government.
The UK, and indeed its financial capital in the City of London, has long been accused of being overly permissive about Russian wealth. But following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK government has had no hesitation in issuing a succession of sanctions on Russia.
Further sanctions from the UK Foreign Office were to be announced later on Monday. Security Minister Dan Jarvis emphasized that the latest measures would not only put pressure on Russia and its leadership but also serve national security, as the individuals included are not likely to contribute anything positive.
This initiative follows greater diplomatic pressure from Ukraine’s Western allies. As Trump and Russian officials carry on with discussions, to which direct Ukrainian participation is not invited, Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on Sunday in a bid to reaffirm their commitment of backing Kyiv.
Both leaders demanded “united leadership in defence of Ukraine against Russian aggression,” with Macron seeing Trump shortly afterwards. Both highlighted the importance of the UK and Europe stepping up to address their security issues amid ongoing conflict.
