UK announcing most severe package of economic sanctions Russia has ever seen: Boris Johnson
Zee News
Speaking to parliament just hours after Putin declared war with Ukraine, Johnson said the Russian leader would be condemned by the world and by history for his invasion, never able to cleanse the "blood of Ukraine from his hands".
London: Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled Britain's largest-ever package of sanctions against Russia on Thursday, targeting banks, members of President Vladimir Putin's closest circle and wealthy Russians who enjoy high-rolling London lifestyles. Western nations are coordinating action to impose tough sanctions against Russia in response to its all-out invasion on neighbouring Ukraine by staging missile strikes on cities and pouring its troops into the country.
Speaking to parliament just hours after Putin declared war with Ukraine, Johnson said the Russian leader would be condemned by the world and by history for his invasion, never able to cleanse the "blood of Ukraine from his hands". "This hideous and barbarous venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure," he told parliament when announcing the new sanctions, an announcement which saw sanctions being imposed on more than 100 Russian individuals and entities. "For our part today, the UK is announcing the largest and most severe package of economic sanctions that Russia has ever seen."
After the West was criticised for earlier, weaker sanctions this week in response to Russia recognising two breakaway republics in Ukraine, Johnson said leaders had agreed to work together to "maximise the economic price" Putin will pay. A government official said the coordinated sanctions would knock percentage points off the Russian economy in the next 12 to 18 months.
End of Londongrad?
In the 10-point sanctions package, the British government said it would impose an asset freeze on some major Russian banks, including state-owned VTB, its second-biggest bank, and stop major Russian companies from raising finance in Britain. VTB did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
