The UK government has announced new sanctions against Russia, targeting imports of diamonds and other minerals in a bid to choke Moscows ability to fund the war in Ukraine. Before a G7 summit in Japan began, London said it would introduce a ban on Russian diamonds, copper, aluminium, and nickel, and sanction more entities involved in Moscows military-industrial complex. Russias diamond trade is estimated to be worth $4-5 billion a year, netting the Kremlin much-needed tax revenues. Later in the day, the UK foreign office said the new sanctions would freeze the assets of 86 people and organisations. These include companies connected to theft of Ukrainian grain, and those involved in shipment of Russian energy, it said. The new sanctions will also target advanced military technology and remaining revenue sources. The summit in Hiroshima is expected to bring a series of new sanctions on Russia, including US measures that will put 70 more Russian and foreign entities on a trade blacklist. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Sky News on Friday that his straightforward message for Russian President Vladimir Putin was: Were not going away.One of the topics of conversation Ill be having and have been having with my fellow leaders is about the longer term security agreements for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression, he added. The G7 as a whole is expected to work to tighten existing sanctions, close loopholes, squeeze Moscows access to the international financial system, and commit to keeping Russian assets frozen until the end of the war in Ukraine. On Friday, European Council President Charles Michel said the bloc would target the lucrative trade in Russian diamonds, which he joked are not forever. EU member Belgium is among the largest wholesale buyers of Russian diamonds, along with India and the United Arab Emirates. The post UK hits Russia with new sanctions appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog. Click Here to Visit Orignal Source of Article http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2023/5/uk-hits-russia-with-new-sanctions-2.html
UK hits Russia with new sanctions
