U.K., allies to ‘ratchet up’ Russia sanctions amid Ukraine invasion: PM Johnson – National
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated throughout a go to to Kyiv on Saturday that nations supporting Ukraine following its invasion by Russia would proceed to tighten the financial sanctions on Moscow.
Johnson, considered one of Ukraine’s staunchest backers, flew to Kyiv on Saturday to pledge tighter sanctions on Russia and provide President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extra defensive arms, a transfer the Ukrainian chief stated others ought to observe.
At a gathering shrouded in secrecy till Johnson appeared within the Ukrainian capital, the 2 leaders cemented the shut ties they’ve nurtured since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. The transfer caps weeks of lobbying by Johnson to satisfy Zelenskyy.
With each males standing at podiums in entrance of cameras, they praised one another for his or her cooperation for the reason that Russian invasion, which Moscow calls a “particular operation” to demilitarize and “denazify” its neighbor. Zelenskyy rejects the outline, saying Russia is bent on destroying his nation.
“We should put increasingly strain on the Russian Federation, work tougher to assist the folks of Ukraine defend it towards the Russian Federation, and step up sanctions,” Zelenskyy stated.
“Different democratic Western states ought to observe the instance of Nice Britain. It’s time to impose an entire ban on Russian vitality provides, and improve the supply of weapons to us.”
Johnson replied: “Along with our companions, we’re going to ratchet up the financial strain and we’ll proceed to accentuate, week by week, the sanctions on Russia.”
He added that the measures would come with transferring away from the usage of Russian hydrocarbons.
Earlier, his Downing Avenue workplace stated Britain would offer the nation with 120 armored automobiles and new anti-ship missile methods.
Johnson’s aides say the 2 leaders have spoken nearly every day since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The British chief, underneath strain over alleged events at his Downing Avenue residence throughout a COVID-19 lockdown, has been vocal in his assist of Zelenskyy.
Earlier on Saturday, the Ukrainian chief’s workplace printed photos displaying the 2 males chatting throughout a desk.
Johnson met Zelenskyy “in a present of solidarity with the Ukrainian folks,” a Downing Avenue spokesperson stated.
On Zelenskyy’s Telegram channel, Johnson was described as “one of the vital principled opponents of the Russian invasion, a frontrunner in placing sanctions on Russia and offering defensive assist to Ukraine.”
— Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, Elizabeth Piper, William Schomberg and Natalia Zinets; Writing by Nerijus Adomaitis
