Britain introduces new sanctions against Russia and announces a nuclear deal with Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
Britain will provide Ukraine with nuclear fuel for two years for £210 million. The new sanctions will restrict the operations of over 600 Russian vessels and the shadow fleet.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is increasing pressure on Russia by announcing new sanctions and strengthening energy support for Ukraine at the G7 summit in France on Tuesday, the British government reported, according to UNN.
Details
A major energy deal will provide Ukraine with supplies of British nuclear fuel for the next two years, the British government indicated.
The new sanctions package, expected today, is also designed to stifle Russia's war efforts on several fronts while strengthening European security, the British government added.
This comes as the G7 summit begins in Evian, France, where the first roundtable session will be dedicated to building peace and security for Ukraine and Europe. Starmer is expected to address the session, telling leaders that the G7 must collectively take further steps to ensure Ukraine achieves the just and lasting peace it deserves.
He will reiterate the need for an end to hostilities, an immediate ceasefire, and the start of negotiations on the current line of contact.
In recent weeks, the British Prime Minister has instructed officials to step up support for Ukraine across the board, from military equipment to vital energy support and pressure on Putin's war machine, to ensure Ukraine's combat momentum is maintained through next winter.
This pressure includes actions against Russia's "shadow fleet," as demonstrated by a major military operation to intercept the vessel "SMYRTOS" early Sunday morning.
Important lessons learned from the situation in Ukraine and how the UK can contribute to Europe's security are also expected to be a central theme of the Defense Investment Plan, which will be published ahead of the NATO summit.
"Russia's aggression threatens not only Ukraine but the security of all of Europe. That is why the UK is stepping up efforts – cutting off the revenues that fuel Putin's war and providing Ukraine with energy for winters to come. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, and this announcement confirms that. Putin must withdraw his tanks, stop the barbaric strikes, and come to the negotiating table," Starmer stated.
"Meanwhile, the UK will secure Ukrainian nuclear power plants for the next two years by providing £210 million from UK Export Finance, allowing the British company Urenco to supply enriched uranium to the Ukrainian nuclear power producer Energoatom. The deal was reached between the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy during their meeting at Downing Street last week," the statement said.
The major new UK sanctions package will reportedly "directly target Russia's illegal 'shadow fleet' and the financial networks used to circumvent Western sanctions and support military procurement."
The UK is also expected to be "the first to impose sanctions on several gas carriers transporting sanctioned Russian LNG."
This package of measures is expected to increase the number of vessels under UK sanctions, including "shadow fleet" vessels and Russian LNG carriers, to more than 600.
The new measures are also expected to "identify and disrupt a Russian state-linked network engaged in the covert procurement of Western technology for the Russian military, as well as identify several third-country suppliers helping Russia illegally move money around the world."